The Effects of Fluid Inertia Forces in Parallel Circular Squeeze Film Bearings Lubricated With Pseudo-Plastic Fluids

The effects of fluid inertia forces in parallel circular squeeze film bearings lubricated with pseudo-plastic fluids are examined theoretically. In the derivation of lubrication equation, the cubic equation obtained from the empirical flow curves for pseudo-plastic fluids is used as the relation between shear stress and shear strain rate, and the inertia term in the momentum equation is approximated by the mean value averaged across the film thickness. Numerical solutions for the film pressure of circular bearings lubricated with Newtonian and pseudo-plastic fluids under the sinusoidal squeeze motion are presented in graphical form and the effects of inertia forces on the film pressure are determined.