Thin-Film Lubrication Theory for Newtonian Fluids With Surfaces Possessing Striated Roughness or Grooving

Earlier work by others concerning the effects of striated roughness and grooving upon the load-carrying capacity of lubricating films is summarized, substantiated, and generalized. A multiple-scale double-variable technique is used on such lubrication problems for the first time. The present analysis applies to one-face roughness having striation wavelengths sufficiently long for the applicability of Reynolds equation. Transient effects are included. The final differential equation for support pressure is simple in form. In addition to predicting the effects of striated “Reynolds roughness”, this equation can be directly used in grooved-bearing design.