An efficient, robust, multi-level computational algorithm for elastohydrodynamic lubrication

A new computational algorithm is developed for the numerical analysis of elastohydrodynamic (EHD) lubrication problems. This algorithm combines direct-iteration, Newton-Raphson, and multigrid methods into one working environment. Accurate solutions for a wide range of steady-state, line-contact problems are obtained with a relatively small number of numerical operations. The algorithm can be used to efficiently simulate transient processes in EHD lubrication. It can also be extended to solve point-contact problems with high computational and storage efficiency. (A)