A new modified Reynolds equation for ultrathin film gas lubrication

Abstract

A new modified Reynolds equation for solving the ultrathin film gas lubrication is proposed to overcome the complicated and time-consuming difficulties of solving the linearized Boltzmann equation. The model equation is based on modified high-order slip-flow velocity distribution with three adjustable coefficients, which are corrected according to the Boltzmann model. The results are compared to those obtained using other kinds of currently employed modified Reynolds equations. It shows that the present model produces a closer approximation to that of the exact Boltzmann model than do other models, in a wider range of inverse Knudsen number. In addition, the newly derived equation is widely applicable to practical use.