Multiscale Simulation and Analysis of Contact Temperature in Line Contacts Under Boundary Lubrication

Abstract Contact temperature plays a crucial role in friction and wear behavior. In this study, a multiscale model is developed to directly calculate the contact temperature distribution in line contacts under boundary lubrication. By coupling macro-scale and micro-scale heat transfer models, more detailed contact temperature information can be obtained. First, experimental and analytical methods are employed to validate the effectiveness of the model. Furthermore, the effects of surface topography, roughness, and bulk temperature on contact temperature and heat transfer processes are analyzed by using the multiscale model and compared with single-scale model results. The simulation results indicate that rougher surfaces with steeper, sharper asperities concentrate the load on fewer contacts, producing smaller real contact areas and hotspots, whereas deeper valleys tend to mitigate these extreme pressures and temperatures. Moreover, the bulk temperature difference between friction pairs affects the contact temperature distribution. Finally, the correlations and limitations among different scuffing criteria of line contacts are analyzed and discussed.