LAUSR

The problem of the decrease in power loss due to friction stands permanent. One of the approaches to the solution of the problem is the application of polymer additives in order to modify the rheological properties of oils. The present theoretical work is dedicated to the analysis of experimental results of a study on polymethacrylate additives’ influence on friction that were obtained in the laboratory of Solid Mechanics of the Poitiers University. A simulation model developed in the present paper is based on the generalised Reynolds equation that takes heterogeneity of viscosity properties into account. The Reynolds equation was modified and rewritten in the bicylindrical coordinates. The geometry of the flow region could thus be described more accurately and the numerical solution could be obtained over a grid with an adaptive step. Analysis of numerical results along with experimental results allowed the identification of relationship between contents of polymer-containing oils and the hydrodynamic effect of power loss due to friction decrease as well as determination of possible reasons for contradictions that occurred during the experimental studies that are essentially a significant difference between the results for a Babbitted and a bronze bearing.