Extrapolation of cavitation and hydrodynamic pressure in lubricated contacts: a physics-informed neural network approach

Abstract A comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of tribological interactions is essential for enhancing efficiency and durability in a multitude of technical domains. Conventional experimental techniques in tribology are frequently costly and time-consuming. In contrast, elastohydrodynamic lu...

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Main Authors: Faras Brumand-Poor, Freddy Kokou Azanledji, Nils Plückhahn, Florian Barlog, Lukas Boden, Katharina Schmitz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-01-01
Series:Advanced Modeling and Simulation in Engineering Sciences
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40323-025-00283-9
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author Faras Brumand-Poor
Freddy Kokou Azanledji
Nils Plückhahn
Florian Barlog
Lukas Boden
Katharina Schmitz
author_facet Faras Brumand-Poor
Freddy Kokou Azanledji
Nils Plückhahn
Florian Barlog
Lukas Boden
Katharina Schmitz
author_sort Faras Brumand-Poor
collection DOAJ
description Abstract A comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of tribological interactions is essential for enhancing efficiency and durability in a multitude of technical domains. Conventional experimental techniques in tribology are frequently costly and time-consuming. In contrast, elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) simulation models present a viable alternative for calculating frictional forces in sealing contacts. These calculations are based on the hydrodynamics within the sealing contact, as defined by the Reynolds equation, the deformation of the seal, and the contact mechanics. However, a significant drawback of these simulations is the time-consuming calculation process. To overcome these experimental and computational limitations, machine learning algorithms offer a promising solution. Physics-informed machine learning (PIML) improves on traditional data-driven models by incorporating physical principles. In particular, physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) are as effective hybrid solvers that combine data-driven and physics-based methods to solve the partial differential equations that drive EHL simulations. By integrating physical laws into the parameter optimization of the neural network (NN), PINNs provide accurate and fast solutions. Thus, unlike traditional NNs, PINNs have the potential to make accurate predictions beyond the limited training domain. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of spatial and temporal extrapolation of the PINN and to analyze its reliability, both with and without consideration of cavitation. Two test cases are employed to examine the pressure and cavitation distribution within a sealing contact that extends beyond the spatial and temporal training range. The findings indicate that PINNs can surmount the typical constraints associated with NNs in the extrapolation of solution spaces, which represents a notable advancement in terms of computational efficiency and model flexibility.
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spelling doaj-art-ffaf4250b56d4c3eaa11d4dfd4f49b002025-02-02T12:34:25ZengSpringerOpenAdvanced Modeling and Simulation in Engineering Sciences2213-74672025-01-0112113410.1186/s40323-025-00283-9Extrapolation of cavitation and hydrodynamic pressure in lubricated contacts: a physics-informed neural network approachFaras Brumand-Poor0Freddy Kokou Azanledji1Nils Plückhahn2Florian Barlog3Lukas Boden4Katharina Schmitz5RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems (ifas)RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems (ifas)RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems (ifas)RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems (ifas)RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems (ifas)RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems (ifas)Abstract A comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of tribological interactions is essential for enhancing efficiency and durability in a multitude of technical domains. Conventional experimental techniques in tribology are frequently costly and time-consuming. In contrast, elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) simulation models present a viable alternative for calculating frictional forces in sealing contacts. These calculations are based on the hydrodynamics within the sealing contact, as defined by the Reynolds equation, the deformation of the seal, and the contact mechanics. However, a significant drawback of these simulations is the time-consuming calculation process. To overcome these experimental and computational limitations, machine learning algorithms offer a promising solution. Physics-informed machine learning (PIML) improves on traditional data-driven models by incorporating physical principles. In particular, physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) are as effective hybrid solvers that combine data-driven and physics-based methods to solve the partial differential equations that drive EHL simulations. By integrating physical laws into the parameter optimization of the neural network (NN), PINNs provide accurate and fast solutions. Thus, unlike traditional NNs, PINNs have the potential to make accurate predictions beyond the limited training domain. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of spatial and temporal extrapolation of the PINN and to analyze its reliability, both with and without consideration of cavitation. Two test cases are employed to examine the pressure and cavitation distribution within a sealing contact that extends beyond the spatial and temporal training range. The findings indicate that PINNs can surmount the typical constraints associated with NNs in the extrapolation of solution spaces, which represents a notable advancement in terms of computational efficiency and model flexibility.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40323-025-00283-9Cavitation extrapolationElastohydrodynamic lubrication simulationHydrodynamic pressure extrapolationPhysics-informed machine learningPhysics-informed neural networksPneumatic sealing
spellingShingle Faras Brumand-Poor
Freddy Kokou Azanledji
Nils Plückhahn
Florian Barlog
Lukas Boden
Katharina Schmitz
Extrapolation of cavitation and hydrodynamic pressure in lubricated contacts: a physics-informed neural network approach
Advanced Modeling and Simulation in Engineering Sciences
Cavitation extrapolation
Elastohydrodynamic lubrication simulation
Hydrodynamic pressure extrapolation
Physics-informed machine learning
Physics-informed neural networks
Pneumatic sealing
title Extrapolation of cavitation and hydrodynamic pressure in lubricated contacts: a physics-informed neural network approach
title_full Extrapolation of cavitation and hydrodynamic pressure in lubricated contacts: a physics-informed neural network approach
title_fullStr Extrapolation of cavitation and hydrodynamic pressure in lubricated contacts: a physics-informed neural network approach
title_full_unstemmed Extrapolation of cavitation and hydrodynamic pressure in lubricated contacts: a physics-informed neural network approach
title_short Extrapolation of cavitation and hydrodynamic pressure in lubricated contacts: a physics-informed neural network approach
title_sort extrapolation of cavitation and hydrodynamic pressure in lubricated contacts a physics informed neural network approach
topic Cavitation extrapolation
Elastohydrodynamic lubrication simulation
Hydrodynamic pressure extrapolation
Physics-informed machine learning
Physics-informed neural networks
Pneumatic sealing
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40323-025-00283-9
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