SQUEEZE FILM CHARACTERISTICS OF LONG PARTIAL JOURNAL BEARINGS LUBRICATED WITH COUPLE STRESS FLUIDS

On the basis of microcontinuum theory, a theoretical analysis of hydro dynamic squeeze film behaviour for long partial journal bearings lubri cated by fluids with couple stresses is presented. To take into accoun t the couple stress effects due to the lubricant containing additives or suspended particles, the modified Reynolds equation governing the f ilm pressure is derived by using the Stokes constitutive equations. Va rious bearing characteristics are then calculated. According to the re sults obtained, the influence of couple stress effects on the performa nce of the system is physically apparent and not negligible. Compared with the Newtonian lubricant case, the couple stress effects provide a n enhancement in the load-carrying capacity and lengthen the response time of the squeeze film action. On the whole, the presence of couple stresses signifies an improvement in the squeeze film characteristics of the system. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd