A Multi-Wavelength Light Interference Method for the Measurement of Lubricating Film Thickness

A multi-wavelength light interference method for the measurement of lubricating film thickness was proposed for the improvement of convenience and accuracy of monochromatic light interferometry. Through the successive analysis of the hypothetical curves and the revised curves of three-wavelength light interference, the procedures of this method were discussed in detail. Then three-wavelength light interference method was applied to measure the lubricating film thickness of base oil under a specific condition. In comparison with the numerical results of Hamrock-Dowson formula, it was concluded that the multi-wavelength light interference method is applicable for the measurement of lubricating film thickness. With this method, the only requirement is the images which captured in stationary and purposed conditions, and higher measurement accuracy can be achieved.