A numerical algorithm to model wall slip and cavitation in two-dimensional hydrodynamically lubricated contacts

Hydrodynamic lubrication takes a fundamental role in mechanical systems to reduce energy losses and prevent breakdown. The analytic instrument usually adopted describe hydrodynamic is the Reynolds equation, which its simplest statement for monophase lubricants with assuming no fluid slip at walls, linear equation pressure. However, this classical cannot reflect all lubricant characteristics engineered surfaces (e.g. superhydro(oleo)phobic textured surfaces). In these cases, effect of two critical factors, such as wall cavitation, need be considered, introducing non-linearities system. order tackle issue, modified two-dimensional introduced, able capture both cavitation presence, via complementary mass-conserving model, slippage, starting from multi-linearity description introduced by Ma et al. (2007). addition, an alternative model slippage proposed modifying improve accuracy computational cost. new possible directions are limited three, separated equal angles, occurring only along first direction, other directions, then, used iteratively adjust direction until suitable convergence criterion satisfied. mathematical validated versus results available literature tests performed on (i) journal bearings, (ii) slider (iii) squeeze dampers, (iv) surface bearings. By conducting tests, proved up one magnitude more efficient than original model.