Effect of surface roughness on the squeeze film lubrication between curved annular plates

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to study the effects of surface roughness on the characteristics of squeeze film lubrication between curved annular plates. Design/methodology/approach - The modified Reynolds type equation governing the fluid film pressure is derived. The stochastic method for rough surfaces developed by Christensen is to derive stochastic type equation and has been solved for two types of one-dimensional roughness patterns. Closed form expressions of mean squeeze film pressure and mean load carrying capacity are obtained. Findings - The bearing characteristics are computed for various values of roughness parameter. It is found that the effect of radial (circumferential) roughness pattern is to shift the point of maximum pressure towards the inlet (outlet) edge and also observe that the mean load-carrying capacity increases (decreases) for the circumferential (radial) roughness pattern compared with the corresponding smooth case, for both concave and convex pad geometries. Research limitations/implications - The analysis is useful in obtaining suitable mathematical model of physical problems. The one which we have considered here is the idealized form of functioning of bearings in general. Analysis of finer models requires pure numerical schemes, for which the present model is a base. Practical applications - Findings of the present paper have applications in machine elements like clutch plates and collar bearings. Originality/value - Inclusions of surface roughness effect on the characteristics of bearings are original contributions in tribology. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.