On Non-Newtonian Rabinowitsch Fluid Squeeze Film Lubrication between Rough Circular Stepped Plates

Abstract

In this paper the effect of surface roughness on squeeze film lubrication between circular stepped plates is analysed. The modified non-linear averaged Reynolds type equation is derived on the basis of Christensen’s stochastic theory for rough surfaces for Rabinowitsch fluid model. Accordingly two types of one-dimensional surface roughness patterns, viz., azimuthal roughness pattern and radial roughness pattern are considered. Averaged non-linear Reynolds equation is solved by using the small perturbation method. Expressions are obtained for the load carrying capacity, squeeze film time. It is observed that the effect of azimuthal (radial) surface roughness pattern on squeeze film lubrication between circular stepped plates with Rabinowitsch fluid is to increase (decrease) the load carrying capacity and squeeze film time significantly as compared to the smooth case and the squeeze film performance improves (suffers) due to the use of dilatant (pseudo plastic) lubricants.

Keywords

• surface roughness
• azimuthal and radial roughness
• rabinowitsch fluid
• squeeze film
• circular stepped plates