Reduced Order Modelling of Non-Linear Squeeze Film Dynamics

Abstract

The contribution of non-linear forces to the dynamic performance of liquid squeeze films is examined as a function of film thickness and fluid viscosity. The linear and non-linear component forces are identified from experimental data for two thicknesses at viscosities of 1.0, 13.19 and 26.87 cS using procedures based on random excitation. A procedure by which terms that contribute little to the overall dynamics of the model can be eliminated is developed and applied to the experimental data. This leads to a reduction in the complexity of the model for particular systems by removing those terms that have little significance. The technique is then validated by examining the relative contributions of the non-linear forces using a numerical simulation.