aTypes of lubrication

Boundary
(i) fluid film thickness basically molecular 10-7cm
(ii) depends on molecular properties of lubricant and solid members, often
chemical( E.P. additives actuated by high temperature generated by rubbing)
(iii) independent of shape and velocity in so far as these influence the temperature
generated from rubbing.
(iv) obeys classical laws of friction
(v) Frictional coefficient = 0.05 to 0.1

Hydrodynamic
-self acting (i) fluid thickness 1 mm to 0.01 mm
(ii) Depends on the viscosity of the lube oil and the shape and relative motion of
the solid surfaces
(iii) Independent of properties of the solid members; so long as the elasticity does
not deform the shape. and thermal properties do not effect the temperature of the
lubricant
(iv) does not obey classical friction laws.
(v) Friction coefficient = 0.001
(vi) film may form by self action or by Hydrostatic pressure of the lube oil.

Hydrodynamic
-externally pressurised as above except the separation of surfaces is caused by
fluid being injected under pressure

Elastohydrodynamic
This is the type of lubrication used with rolling element bearings. To clarify, the
material of the running surface deforms under high pressure as the rolling element
passes over it. The oil wedge forms in this deformation.
(i) Deformation and increased viscosity with pressure are involved
(ii) Frictional coefficient = 0.05
(iii) film thickness less than Hydrodynamic
How boundary lubrication got its name. This is remembering a while back so bear

with me. A chap was hired to investigate the cause of failure or train carriage
wheels. He run test on journal bearings using pressure gauges mounted
around the circumference of the bearing. After repeatedly blowing these
gauges due to the very high pressure created in the oil wedge, he eventually
came up with the idea of dynamic lubrication and the oil wedge.
I believe the cause of failure of the carriage bearings was
insufficient clearance preventing the journal from lifting and leading to rub.
Anyway, this chap gave a lecture to his peers. Someone in the
audience said that he could understand his theory of dynamic lubrication, but
asked to him explain how the bearing was lubricated during starting. To which
our chap replied something along the lines of- " ....there are boundaries of
lubrication beyond our knowledge...".