Modified Reynolds equations for thin film lubrication analysis with high viscosity surface layers on both solid surfaces and analysis of micro-tapered bearing

This paper presents a modified Reynolds equation used for the analysis of thin film lubrication with high viscosity surface layers. The enhanced viscosity surface layers are considered on both sides of the bearing surfaces. The modified factors in the Reynolds equation are expressed as closed form functions for a surface layer viscosity function whose parameters values can be determined from the effective viscosity measured for a uniform lubricant film. To understand the mechanism of high load capacity and super-low friction coefficients in micro texture lubrication through running-in, load capacity, friction force, and friction coefficient of micro-tapered bearing models are calculated comparing two and one-side surface layer models.