Nonlinear Reynolds equation for hydrodynamic lubrication

摘要

We derive a novel and rigorous correction to the classical Reynolds lubrication approximation for fluids with viscosity depending upon the pressure. Our analysis shows that the pressure dependence of viscosity leads to additional nonlinear terms related to the shear rate and arising from a non-negligible cross-film pressure. We present a comparison of the numerical solutions of the classical Reynolds equation and our modified equation and conclude that the modified equation leads to the prediction of higher pressures and viscosities in the flow domain.