Lubrication of a Cylinder on a Plane With a Non-Newtonian Fluid Considering Cavitation

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of lubrication of rolling contact bearings considering cavitation with a non-Newtonian lubricant, obeying the power law model. Piezo-viscous and deformation effects are neglected. The analysis reveals, that as the flow behavior index increases, the load capacity increases and the point of cavitation as well as the point of maximum pressure is shifted towards the center of contact. It is also indicated that the present analysis may be considered as providing an approximation to human joint lubrication problem.