Squeeze film characteristics of conical bearings operating with non-Newtonian lubricants – Rabinowitsch fluid model

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical study of non-Newtonian effects in conical squeeze-film plates that is based on the Rabinowitsch fluid model.

Design/methodology/approach

A non-linear, modified Reynolds equation accounting for the non-Newtonian properties following the cubic stress law equation is derived. Through a small perturbation method, first-order closed-form solutions are obtained.

Findings

It is found that the non-Newtonian properties of dilatant fluids increase the load capacity and lengthen the response time as compared to the case using a Newtonian lubricant; however, the non-Newtonian behaviors of pseudoplastic lubricants result in reverse influences.

Originality/value

Numerical tables for squeeze-film loads of conical plates are also provided for engineering applications.

Citation

Hsu, C.-H., Lin, J.-R., Mou, L.-J. and Kuo, C.-C. (2014), "Squeeze film characteristics of conical bearings operating with non-Newtonian lubricants – Rabinowitsch fluid model", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 66 No. 3, pp. 373-378. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt-01-2012-0008