Nonuniform Temperature in Non-Newtonian Compressible Fluid Film Lubrication of Rollers

Abstract

A theoretical analysis of heavily loaded rigid cylindrical roller bearings lubricated by a thin compressible fluid film, considering cavitation, is presented. The lubricating fluid is assumed to follow the non-Newtonian power law model and the consistency as well as density varies exponentially with pressure and temperature. The modified Reynolds and energy equations (adiabatic case) for a compressible power law fluid are obtained and are solved simultaneously. It is observed that the compressible fluid film pressure is comparatively higher than the incompressible one whereas this trend is reversed in case of temperature. Moreover, consistency and density variations, especially in the pressure peak region, are quite significant.