On the Flow of Lubricating Greases : a Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach

• Being able to model the flow dynamics of grease is highly valuable in the design of lubricated machine elements such as rolling element bearings. An understanding of the grease flow dynamics enables prediction of grease distribution for optimum lubrication and for the migration of wear- and contaminant particles. In this paper the potential of combined analytical modelling, flow visualizations, and numerical modelling in grease flow dynamics is presented. Specifically, the relation between the rheology of the grease and its impact on the flow motion is of interest in combination with validation of the numerical models in simplified geometries. The numerical models then enable simulations in more complex geometries of particular interest for the grease and bearing industry. It is shown that grease flow is heavily influenced by its non-Newtonian properties and the shear rates in the contact, resulting in distinct regions of yielded and un-yielded grease. Further, the numerical models are shown to match well with experiments and analytical models, enabling numerical models on more intricate geometries in the bearing industry.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Strömningsmekanik och akustik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Tribologi (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Tribology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Strömningslära

Fluid Mechanics

Maskinelement

Machine Elements

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