Numerical analysis of elastohydrodynamic lubrication characteristics of the spatial cam mechanism in the air splicer

An equivalent lubrication model of line contact was established for the cam mechanism in air splicer when its steel roller rolls over the cam transition curve. Complete numerical solutions of the lubrication film thickness, pressure, and temperature rise were obtained by solving the control equations of the lubrication model, and the lubrication performance under isothermal and thermal conditions was analyzed. Results show that under isothermal and thermal conditions, increasing the stroke s and transition angle θ is disadvantageous for improving lubrication conditions at the transition curve. On the contrary, increasing the cam base circle radius R 0 and roller radius R 1 is favorable for improving the lubrication conditions. However, attention should also be paid to avoid the root-cutting phenomenon caused by excessive steel roller use. The changes of the above four parameters affect the EHL characteristics of the cam mechanism more significantly under thermal conditions than they do under isothermal conditions.