The effects of non-Newtonian rheology in the dynamic coefficients of wide slider bearings with a secant-shaped film profile

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of non-Newtonian rheology on the dynamic characteristics of a secant-shaped couple-stress lubricated slider bearing. Design/methodology/approach – By applying the linear dynamic theory to the film force equation, a closed-form solution of the stiffness and damping coefficients is obtained for the secant-shaped bearing taking into account the non-Newtonian effects of Stokes couple stress fluids. Findings – Comparing with the secant-shaped Newtonian-lubricant bearing, the effects of non-Newtonian couple stresses provide an apparent improvement in the dynamic stiffness and damping characteristics, especially for the secant-shaped slider bearing operating at lower squeezing-film heights and with larger non-Newtonian couple stress parameters. Originality/value – Comparing with those of the inclined plane-shaped non-Newtonian slider bearings, better dynamic stiffness and damping performances are provided for the secant-shaped non-Newtonian slider...