On the measurement of cavitation pressure and its evolution in textured dimples under constant load

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2026

Abstract

Cavitation significantly influences the lubrication behavior of textured dimples. This study offers valuable insights by conducting both constant-gap and constant-load experiments and comparing the results concerning cavitation in cylindrical, spherical, and conical-shaped dimples. The consistency of results across these devices and the predictive effectiveness of the mass conservation algorithm is evaluated. The results show that while the process of cavitation formation differs between these methods, once steady-state lubrication is achieved, the shape and size of cavitation within the dimples are similar. Furthermore, both experimental methods can equally evaluate hydrodynamic lubrication characteristics under the steady-state conditions. The consistency of results between experimental equipment on entirely different platforms further emphasizes their validity. Moreover, our measurements clearly indicate the existence of measurable “sub-cavitation” pressure (pressure lower than the cavitation pressure p c observed upstream of the cavity) in spherical and conical dimples. It is shown that the magnitude of the “sub-cavitation” pressure—first reported by Olsson’s assessments and described by Floberg—can be predicted using Elrod's mass-conserving algorithm by predefining the effective cavitation region, which considers the location where cavitation initiates.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Tribology International

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