Abstract: Using an optical slider-bearing test rig, the characteristics of lubrication film were studied under condition of limited lubricant supply. A relative film thickness, that is the ratio between the measured film thickness with limited lubricant supply and that with full lubricant supply, was defined to assess the reduction of load-carrying capacity by limited lubricant supply. It was found that when a small quantity of lubricant is supplied, the film thickness increases at first and then remains nearly unchanged with increasing speeds due to development of starvation. Results show that the lubricant viscosity and the reflow time between two slide-overs can markedly affect the film building due to the inadequate lubricant replenishment on the lubrication track. The inlet starvation area may bear some load only when the starvation becomes severe.

Key words: limited lubricant supply; hydrodynamic lubrication; film thickness; slider-on-disc contact