This diploma thesis deals with the study of film formation in compliant contact. Primary attention is dedicated to the influence of the entrainment speed and slide-to-roll ratio (SRR) on the central film thickness. Based on a research study of the available experimental methods, the fluorescence microscopy was used to achieve the aim of the work. Experiments were realized in ball-on-disk configuration. Firstly, a validation of the method was performed where the solid contact of the ceramic ball and the glass disk was analyzed. Since the measured values were in a good agreement with the theoretical prediction, a ball of NBR rubber material, which is commonly used for production of lip seals and o-rings, was subsequently used. The experimental measurements were performed under pure rolling and rolling/sliding conditions when the entrainment speeds varied in the range from 10 to 400 mm / s. A constant load of 0.2 N was applied. The measured data were then compared to the theoretical predictions for compliant contacts. The results showed that the thickness of the lubricating film gradually increases with increasing entrainment speed, which corresponds to theoretical assumption. Against expectations, evident influence of SRR on the film formation has been observed. In the last part of the thesis the measured data are confronted with previously published studies. Finally, some limitations of this study are discussed and recommendations for further improvement of the used experimental method are suggested.

The purpose of this diploma thesis is to describe the influence of input parameters (rolling speed, load, temperature, dynamic viscosity and pressure coefficient of the lubricant) on film thickness in point and elliptical contacts using optical interferometry. Regression based film thickness formula has been obtained using universal form of non-dimensional parameters of entrainment speed U, load W and material G. Equations were also complemented by the function of ellipticity k. New regression formulas for central and minimum film thickness have been compared with existing EHL thickness equations. These film thickness measurement and new regression formulas have applicability to our understanding of the performance and more effective design of lubricated gears from polymeric materials.