ABSTRACT
Viscosity is a measurement of how readily the liquid lubricant flows when subjected to a load. High viscosity fluids, such as tar, tend to resist and stay in position while low viscosity fluids, such as water, are easily displaced. The difference in internal lubrication between a rolling element bearing and a plain bearing is dramatic. The action of the additives is critical to the effectiveness of sliding applications. Antiwear lubricants have a high proportion of polar fatty acid compounds one end of which is attracted to the metal’s surface. The base oil is the “raw material” of the lubricant and viscosity is a measurement used to describe how readily that liquid flows. Critical is the lubricant’s viscosity at the actual operating temperature. All liquids change viscosity as the temperature changes and some vary much more than others. The no-longer-round ball has several areas of rolling and skidding and a separating lubrication film is required to prevent damage.
