Weak coupling of a Reynolds model and a Stokes model for hydrodynamic lubrication

The Reynolds model is a reduced Stokes model, valid for narrow lubrication regions. In order to be able to handle locally non‐narrow regions such as pits or grooves, often displaying rapid geometrical variations, there is a need to be able to transit to the more accurate Stokes model. A fundamental problem is how to couple the two models in a numerical simulation, preferably allowing for different meshes in the different domains. In this paper, we present a weak coupling method for Reynolds and Stokes models for lubrication computations, including the possibility of cavitation in the different regions. The paper concludes with a numerical example. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.