Performance of thrust bearings operating with non-Newtonian lubricating films

Abstract

A general solution for pressure distribution and load capacity is obtained for hydrodynamic bearings with non-Newtonian lubricating fluid films. The flow behaviour index of the power law model assumed for the velocity profile is shown to play a significant role in bearing performance. It is established that the load capacity of a thrust bearing, by way of example, may be increased to several-fold with increased values of the viscometric exponent. © 1979.