Effects of surface roughness in squeeze film lubrication of two circular plates

A generalized form of Reynolds equation for two symmetrical surfaces is taken by considering surface roughness at the bearing surfaces. This equation is applied to study the effects of surface roughness for the lubrication of squeeze films of two circular plates. Expressions for the load capacity and squeezing time obtained are studied theoretically for various parameters. The load capacity and squeeze time increases with the increase in the value of 'k' i.e; due to high viscous lubricant layer near the surfaces the load capacity and squeezing time increase which enhances the lubrication process. In the case of transverse roughness the load capacity and squeezing time increases as the mean height of surface asperities increases and the load capacity and the squeezing time decreases as the mean height of surface asperities increases in the case of longitudinal roughness. Hence the effect of roughness is more pronounced in the case of transverse roughness.