Effects of both cavitation and non-Newtonian behavior on the performance of oscillatory anisotropic poroelastic squeeze film

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present a theoretical investigation of the effects of cavitation and couple stress on the squeeze film behavior between an anisotropic poroelastic rigid disc and a sinusoidally oscillating rigid disc. Design/methodology/approach Based on the microcontinuum theory of Vijay Kumar Stokes and the Elrod–Adam algorithm, the non-Newtonian Reynolds equation coupled with modified Darcy's law for lubricant flow through the porous disc is derived. This numerical study includes the continuity of tangential velocity at the porous–fluid interface and the effects of percolation of the polar additives into the anisotropic porous disc. Findings The effects of couple stress, oscillating amplitude, percolation additives, permeability and anisotropic permeability on the squeeze film characteristics are discussed. It is found that both the percolation effect of the lubricant additives and the anisotropic structure of the porous surface reduce the flow in the porous disc, resulting in a decrease in pressure. It is also observed that cavitation effects are more pronounced for Newtonian fluids than couple stress fluids. Originality/value The results of this study can be used to design a variety of engineering applications such as bearings, wet clutches and non-contact mechanical seals.