On the Prediction of Running-In Behavior in Mixed-Lubrication Line Contact

A model is presented, which enables one to predict the running-in performance of the rolling/sliding surfaces subjected to mixed-lubrication line contact. The load-sharing concept was used, in which it is assumed that both the fluid film and the asperities contribute in carrying the imposed load. The plastic deformation of asperities during the running-in is taken into consideration. In the application of the load-sharing method, it is often assumed that asperity heights have a Gaussian distribution. This assumption has been relaxed in this model. Prediction results for the variation in the arithmetic average of asperity heights (Ra) during the running-in period for contact of two rollers are compared with published experimental data. Also presented are the results for the variation in wear volume, wear rate, and friction coefficient during the running-in period. The effect of surface pattern, speed, and load on the running-in behavior is studied. The steady-state wear rate for different surface patterns calculated from this model is compared with the wear rate predicted by the thermal desorption model, and the results are in agreement both in trend and magnitude. The effect of running-in on the Stribeck curve for different surface pattern is discussed.