The Behavior of Bubbles in Non-Newtonian Lubricants

Abstract

The behavior of cavitation bubbles and the impulse pressure occurring from the bubble in non-Newtonian lubricants are analyzed as one of the studies on cavitation which is caused on the bearing metals and oil pressure valves. That is, the equation of motion for a bubble and the pressure equation can be derived by using the Sisko model which well represents the rheological properties of lubricants (lubricating greases, and crude oils in place of lubricating oils), and the variation with time of the bubble radius and the pressure and velocity at the bubble wall in greases and crude oils are numerically obtained. In consequence, it was found that the impulse pressure occurring from the collapse of comparatively large bubbles can be a cause for the cavitation damage.