Experimental Observation of EHL Behavior under Single Oil Droplet Supply

Using interferometry an oil droplet passing through an EHL contact has been observed and the effects of droplet size, entrainment speed, and load were studied. Results show that the droplet enlarged its surface area due to the squeeze and capillary force at the inlet zone and thus the film-forming was influenced. With a large droplet size, the spreading diameter became large and thick film was generated. When entrainment speed increased, there were not enough surface area enlargements for the oil droplet at the inlet and only a local dimple-shaped film was formed.