Curvilinear squeeze film bearing with rough surfaces lubricated by a Rabinowitsch–Rotem–Shinnar fluid

Abstract

In the paper, the influence of the bearing surface roughness on the pressure distribution and load-carrying capacity of a curvilinear squeeze film bearing is discussed. The equations of motion of a pseudo-plastic lubricant of Rabinowitsch–Rotem–Shinnar (R–R–S) type are used to derive the Reynolds equation. After some consideration on the Christensen theory of hydrodynamic lubrication of rough bearing surfaces the modified Reynolds equation is obtained. The analytical solutions of this equation for the cases of a squeeze film bearing and an externally pressurized bearing and for two types of surface roughness are presented. As a result one obtains the formulae expressing pressure distribution of load-carrying capacity. Thrust radial and spherical squeeze film bearings are considered as numerical examples.