On the modified Reynolds equation for journal bearings in a case of non-Newtonian Rabinowitsch fluid model

Abstract

In this paper, a theoretical analysis of hydrodynamic plain journal bearings with finite length at taking into account the effect of non-Newtonian lubricants is presented. Based upon the Rabinowitsch fluid model (cubic stress constitutive equation) and by integrating the continuity equation across the film, the nonlinear modified 2D Reynolds type equation is derived in details so that to study the dilatant and pseudoplastic nature of the lubricant in comparison with Newtonian fluid. A dimensionless equation of hydrodynamic pressure distribution in a form appropriate for numerical modeling is also presented. Some particular cases of 1D applications can be recovered from the present derivation.