Study of Rheological Effects on the Lubrication of Infinitely-Wide Slider Bearings

The one-dimensional Reynolds equation modified to non-Newtonian power law fluids is obtained, by using the small perturbation method. Further this equation is analytically solved, giving the pressure distribution, load capacity, friction force and friction coefficient, as functions of the specific tapering of the bearing. An error analysis is also made, to find the working conditions where the modified equation may be applied with a relatively small error. Finally, the behaviour of infinitely-wide rectangular shoes hydrodynamic slider bearings is analyzed by using lubricanting oils with rheological characteristic index n > 1 (dilatant lubricants) and n < 1 (pseudoplastic lubricants), as well as n = 1 (Newtonian lubricants).