Analysis of a grease-lubricated contact from an energy point of view

A number of grease lubricated contacts are working under mixed friction conditions. In this paper, we try to model the grease-lubricated contact considering the density distribution within the grease film. A proposal is presented to quantify the friction energy for the fluid friction part by using experimental work. The friction leads to a process of structural degradation (rheological wear) of the lubricating grease. This process is analysed and some new parameters are defined. A proposal for quantifying the irreversible change of the grease properties is made. All this work is done from an energetical point of view and is supported by experimental work.