Magnetic fluid‐based squeeze film behavior between transversely rough curved annular plates: a comparative study

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to improve upon the performance of magnetic fluid‐based squeeze film between transversely rough curved annular plates by embarking on a comparative study of the geometrical structure of the curved annular plates.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives are met by mathematically modeling a magnetic fluid‐based squeeze film between transversely rough curved annular plates. The standard method is to solve the associated Reynolds' equation with appropriate boundary conditions by describing the random roughness through a stochastic random variable with non‐zero mean, variance and skewness. Results for bearing performance characteristics such as pressure distribution and load‐carrying capacity are numerically computed. In order to analyze the quantitative effect of the roughness, different geometrical structures of surfaces have been considered and the results are compared.

Findings

Certainly, the performance of the bearing with the magnetic fluid lubricant is comparatively better than the conventional lubricant. The findings indicate that although the effect of roughness is adverse in general, the adverse effect introduced by roughness and aspect ratio can be compensated for, to a considerable extent, by the positive effect of magnetization parameter in the case of negatively skewed roughness by choosing the curvature parameters properly.

Practical implications

From the industry point of view, this investigation will be definitely useful for improving the performance of the squeeze film based on magnetic fluid between transversely rough curved annular plates by minimizing the effect of roughness. Furthermore, it offers an additional degree of freedom from a design point of view in the form of the geometrical structure of the surfaces.

Originality/value

The paper presents significant information as it compares shapes and offers suggestions for the best improved performance from a bearing's longevity point of view. This study presents an approach for the enhanced performance of the magnetic fluid‐based squeeze film between transversely rough curved annular plates.

Citation

Deheri, G.M., Patel, R.M. and Abhangi, N.D. (2011), "Magnetic fluid‐based squeeze film behavior between transversely rough curved annular plates: a comparative study", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 63 No. 4, pp. 254-270. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368791111140477