Measurement of Lubricating Film Thickness in Low Elastic Modulus Lined Bearings, with Particular Reference to Models of Cushion Form Bearings for Total Joint Replacements: Part 1: Steady State Entraining Motion

The lubricating film thickness in a model of compliant layered bearings for total joint replacements has been measured by means of optical interferometry under entraining motion. The essential features of the present interferometry technique were off-normal incidence light, a combination of polyurethane elastomer and a crown glass plate as bearing surfaces and the use of silicone fluid or water as lubricants. The film thickness in the lubricated contact was measured for both water and silicone fluid under a range of entraining velocities. Reasonable agreement was found between the experimental measurements of the lubricating film thickness and the theoretical predictions based upon elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis.