The present paper investigates the modeling of
counterformal elastohydrodynamic lubricated (EHL) contacts in multi-body
system (MBS) environments. The aim is to obtain a representation of the
dynamic behaviour of machine elements and characteristic values as the
lubrication film thickness for lifetime calculations. Two contact models are
presented for the study of cam-roller tappet and raceway-roller systems.
The first model is a one-dimensional representation of the EHL contact
behaviour. It is based on the calculation of the central lubrication film
thickness by means of dimensionless values (functions of the operating
conditions) and provides a simplified model of the mixed lubrication. The
second one, still under development, investigates the modeling of 3D dry and
lubricated contacts. The fluid-structure interaction is here fully
considered and a discretised form of the contact problem is solved using an
iterative algorithm. This paper proposes, in the latter case, some
perspectives and a discussion of its implementation.