1. Lubricated and dry contacts

1.1 Lubricated contacts

Fluid-lubricated contacts are generally subdivided into surface contacts, where the pressure in the film is relatively low, and hertzian contacts, where the pressure is high enough to elastically deform the surfaces.

Hydrostatic and hydrodynamic bearings and thrust bearings, and mechanical seals, also known as radial face seals, are typical surface contacts. In these contacts, the pressure in the fluid film is relatively low, its value being of the order of 1...