Making extremely thing lubricating films predictable: Extension of the Reynolds equation by a non-linear wall slip law

When an electric vehicle accelerates, the motor generates maximum forces and enormous pressures act on the gears of the electric drivetrain. Surface meets surface, metal meets metal. If there were no lubricating film to allow the gears to slide more easily, they would not only become extremely hot but would also wear out quickly. "Without a lubricating film, many things in our everyday lives would be slower, squeakier, and jerkier," explains Prof. Michael Moseler, Head of the Tribology Business Unit at the Fraunhofer IWM.