Multiphase hydrodynamic lubrication flow using a three-dimensional shell finite element model

Reynolds' lubrication theory has been widely used to study thin-region fluid flows for a variety of scientific and manufacturing applications. In this work, we set forth an extension of this theory to model the effect of free fluid interfaces and fluid-structural interactions in lubrication films. This model is implemented using curvilinear shell elements in a general three-dimensional finite element code, allowing the study of lubrication flows in arbitrarily complex geometries. This implementation also allows coupling with continuum mechanics, such as solid body deformation, through lubrication-based and fluid-structural interactions. Simulations using this model are compared to analytical solutions and experimental results for a number of model problems. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.