Thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication of non-Newtonian fluids with rough surfaces

The characteristics of thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication by non-Newtonian fluids for rough surfaces is investigated-theoretically. The general Reynolds equation for two-sided striated roughness lubricated by power. law fluids is established using a perturbation approach. New correction factors for the pressure flow and the shear flow are derived; these factors integrate both lubricant rheology and surface roughness characteristics. A more effective numerical algorithm is adopted to obtain the solutions for wide ranges of operating conditions. Observations and discussion lead to further understanding of the various interactions among different factors in a elastohydrodynamic lubrication process.