Thermo-mechanical response of TEHL contacts under dynamic loading conditions

A CFD-FSI approach is employed to investigate the thermo-mechanical response of TEHL contacts to time-varying loading conditions. The response to an impact load, with increment $\Delta f$ over time $\Delta t$, and taking into account the equivalent system mass $m$, on film thickness, pressure and temperature variations, is being investigated. Findings indicate that impact loads generates pressure waves propagating through the contact and leading to pressure peaks, which depend on the load increment and impact time. An increase of up to 8 % in von Mises stress is observed compared to the steady-state calculation, with potential implications for the component’s lifespan. Furthermore, for systems with high natural frequencies, and for impact times exceeding the hydrodynamic time scale, transient effects are limited.