Keywords

Boundary Lubrication, Boundary Lubrication Test Methods

Initial Process of Boundary Film Formation Observed by Ultrathin Film Interferometry in Reciprocating Rolling Contact

In situ observation of nanometer scale lubricant films has been feasible since the invention of the ultrathin film interferometry [1]. It is quite useful for physical investigations of the lubricant films working not only for elastohydrodynamic lubrication but also for boundary lubrication [2, 3]. To specialize in boundary film observation, an experimental apparatus has been developed in which the ultrathin film interferometry measures the thickness of boundary films formed in a reciprocating rolling contact between a steel ball and a glass plate operated at high contact pressure and low entrainment speed.

Authors and Company/Institution

Ken Nakano and Nihira Takahiro, Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan
Chiharu Tadokoro, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan