Discussion: “Nodal Unsteady Inverse Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication: Axisymmetric Normal Approach” (Booker, J. F., and Boedo, S., 2018, ASME J. Tribol., 140(4), p. 041501)

The authors have to be commended for a concise description of their noteworthy approach to solving the transient EHL problem [1]. The significance of the work can probably be summarized by three remarks: (1) the problem statement is comprehensive and precise, (2) the solution is very efficient (with no iteration required) and robust (despite the highly nonlinear nature of EHL problems), and (3) the solution is correct and technically meaningful, as proven by ample comparison to the experimental results. Based on the descriptions given in the paper and in Ref. [3], we independently implemented the algorithm using our own finite element models and came—within what can be assumed to be numerical differences—to identical results. Having done so, we can state that the given “recipe” is complete and ready for use. Care should be taken in the choice of initial conditions, as outlined by the authors. We would like...