Rubber Surface Squeeze Film

Abstract

Numerical solutions for the squeeze film problem, in which one of the surfaces is made of rubber and moves sinusoidally, are presented. Viscoelasticity and in-compressibility of the rubber are taken into account in the numerical procedures. The solutions agree well with the experiments. Variation of the squeeze film shape with time is measured by the moire´ topography. This will be one of the best methods for measuring the film thickness when the lubricating surface is made of soft materials like rubber.