Abstract
In this paper a micromechanical modelling approach is proposed, which is aimed at studying the lubricant flow and asperity deformation in the thin-film hydrodynamic lubrication regime. A finite element model is developed which couples the local lubricant flow at the asperity scale with the deformation of the asperities and of the underlying surface layer. Reynolds equation is used to describe the flow of lubricant which is modelled as a Newtonian fluid. An illustrative numerical example is provided.