Thin axisymmetric power-law bridges squeezed by two rigid surfaces

Abstract

A new asymptotic solution is developed for axisymmetric squeezing of thin power-law bridges by two rigid surfaces. The new solution is uniformly valid for all pairs of smooth axisymmetric rigid surfaces, including two plates, two spheres, and a plate and a sphere. Thus the new solution unifies the classical solution for bridges squeezed by two plates with more recent solutions for bridges squeezed by either two spheres or a sphere and a plate. In the process of unification, existing solutions are improved and a reduced set of problem parameters is identified. • A new solution for thin power-law bridges squeezed by rigid surfaces is developed. • The solution is valid for any pair of axisymmetric squeezing surfaces. • The solution improves existing solutions for power-law bridges squeezed by spheres. • The solution unifies all existing solutions for power-law bridges. • The solution is valid for any power-law fluid.