Abstract
This study examined the effects of surface roughness in the mixed lubrication regime of smooth and rough surfaces for roller bearings. The average flow model was adopted for interaction between the flow rheology of the lubricant and the surface roughness. The average Reynolds equation and related flow factor that describes the coupled effects of surface roughness and flow rheology, the viscosity-pressure and density-pressure equations, the elastic deformation equation, and the force balance equation were solved simultaneously. The results showed that the effects of surface roughness on the film thickness and pressure distribution should be considered, especially in elastohydrodynamic lubrication contact problems.