Micro-elastohydrodynamic lubrication of synovial joints

In the present study an overall elastohydrodynamic analysis of synovial joints has been coupled with a study of the local, micro-elastohydrodynamic analysis action associated with surface asperities. The locally generated pressures have been found to have a remarkable ability to 'smooth' the initially rough cartilage surfaces as they pass through the loaded region. This analysis yields predictions of film thicknesses several times greater than the (reduced) 'effective' roughness of the opposing cartilage surfaces and, thus, not only brings analysis and experiment into much closer accord, but also offers a new and convincing explanation of the mode of lubrication of nature's remarkable bearings.