Modelling visco-elastohydrodynamic lubrication of polymer-based composites

The polymer material usually has inhomogeneous particles imbedded as reinforcements, which can result in strain and stress disturbance in matrix. Based on the numerical equivalent inclusion method (EIM) and fast Fourier transforms (FFT), this paper develops a semi-analytical model for analyzing the visco-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (VEHL) behavior of polymer-based composites containing arbitrary inhomogeneities. The present model is explored to investigate the viscoelastic behavior of polymer-based composites with a wide spectra of relaxation times under VEHL condition. A group of simulation results are obtained to quantify the influences of inhomogeneities, their material properties, geometry and location on the contact pressure and film thickness, and to analyze the stress fields of polymer-based composites subjected to multiple voids and hollow spheres. •A novel approach to model visco-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (VEHL) of polymer-based composites is presented.•The model is based on the numerical equivalent inclusion method (EIM) and fast Fourier transform method.•The model can deal with the transient and steady-state VEHL of polymer-based composites.•The influence of the material property, geometry and location of inhomogeneities or voids on VEHL is explored.