A transient 2D-finite-element approach for the simulation of mixed lubrication effects of reciprocating hydraulic rod seals

This paper presents a method for the computation of soft elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) based on the strong coupling of a non-linear finite-element model with the transient Reynolds equation for thin fluid films. This approach allows the usage of arbitrary non-linear elastic or inelastic material models for the finite deformations. The transient Reynolds equation is simultaneously solved within a finite-element computation. In order to account for the effect of surface roughness in the sealing contact, flow factors are incorporated into the transient Reynolds equation. The method is currently restricted to planar or axisymmetric geometries.