The vast majority of ehl investigations, both experiemental and theoretical, utilise steady state conditions, i.e. constant load, velocity, geometry and temperature. The lubricant is, however, in conditions that are far from those of steady state.
Many components operate with varying load, velocity and geometry.
Some examples are gears, rolling element bearings, cams and follower mechanisms and reciprocating seals. To predict the operation of these components it is necessary to consider the transient effects. The theory of elastohydrodynamic lubrication under non-steady conditions is presented in this thesis and applied to some practical cases. Papers A and B deal with the simulation of the lubrication in the contact between an impacting ball and a lubricated surface. These investigations give understanding of lubrication under impact loading and also fundamental understanding of the dynamics of an ehl contact.