Theory 162/Lubricants/Ratio lens
Regime Is Viscosity Against Load
The claim
The lubrication regime is set by the ratio of viscous film thickness to surface roughness, so the same oil protects a smooth surface and fails on a rough one.
01Mechanism
Separation requires the film to exceed the asperity height; the ratio determines contact.
02Prediction
Wear should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Wear tracking viscosity alone would remove roughness.