– This paper aims to present the probable factors resulting in the lubrication failure in detail, based on the experimental study on the tribological property of the low-viscosity lubricant subjected to the different slide/roll ratios and loads under micro confined space.
– The interference images and the traction coefficients of the spindle oil with low viscosity were recorded using a ball-on-disc test rig. Moreover, the corresponding flash temperatures were obtained via an analytical method.
– More scratches can be observed in the interference images with higher slide/roll ratios. The applied load plays a significant role in the variation of the traction coefficient under different slide/roll ratio, and higher load resulted in lower traction coefficient. The flash temperature generated in the point contact zone non-linearly increases with increasing slide/roll ratio.
– The flash temperature is not a crucial factor which results in these scratches in the interference images. Moreover, it is probable that the micro confined space is in boundary lubrication at higher shear rates.
