Dowson et at (1985) have described the development of a computationally based analysis to predict the tribological performance of a cam and fiat faced follower. Here the discussion will be limited to the interpretation of predictions of the lubricant film thickness between the components. The general principles enunciated for this form of mechanism vis-a-vis film thickness will also apply to other cam and follower forms. The typical variation of film thickness is shown in Figure 5.