On the Physical Meanings of Λ/Q̃p0 and σ/Q̃p0 in Molecular Gas Film Lubrication Problems

Abstract

To estimate molecular gas film lubrication (MGL) characteristics, we propose a modified bearing number Λ′ and a modified squeeze number σ′, which are, respectively, the conventional bearing Λ and squeeze number σ divided by the relative Poiseuille flow rate Q̃p0 . Using Λ′ and σ′, the linearized MGL problem can be reduced to the continuum gas film lubrication problem and the MGL characteristics can be exactly estimated, if the characteristic flow rate corresponding to the spacing, Q̃p0 , is known. For nonlinear MGL problems, the lubrication characteristics can be verified to be roughly estimated by Λ′ and σ′ both in rectangular slider bearings and in circular squeeze-film thrust bearings.