The load-bearing capacity of a continuous-flow squeeze film of liquid

A new form of squeeze film system is described in which the movement of one plate towards the other is simulated by the continuous volume generation of liquid over the plate area. The liquid exudes from 1580 holes distributed uniformly over the lower plate surface. An advantage of the system is that there are no moving parts, but it is important to evaluate the device using Newtonian liquids in order to compare the load bearing capacity with that predicted by equations developed for orthodox squeeze film systems. Liquid maldistribution is shown to be a problem which may be solved in various ways, one of which is to ensure that the pressure drop through the plate is high relative to that in the squeeze film.Results obtained using Newtonian liquids make satisfactory comparison with theoretical predictions, though liquid inertia probably makes a lower contribution to load bearing than is the case for an orthodox squeeze film. Liquid maldistribution is allowed for on a theoretical basis or corrected by the use of a distributor plate placed below the perforated surface.Preliminary tests using viscoelastic solutions (based on polyacrylamide of high molecular weight) suggest that the load bearing properties of the squeeze film are significantly enhanced. A load 600 per cent greater than the theoretical load is obtained in one case, the suggestion being made that this is due to stress of viscoelastic origin.Nomenclature D Exit diameter of holes in spinnerette - F ₁ to F ₆ Vertical force on top plate due to flow in squeeze film, defined by (1), (8), (11), (12), (13) and (14) respectively - h Plate separation - h _L Distance of distributor plate from lower surface of spinnerette (function of r) - I ₀ Modified Bessel function of first kind, order 0 - I ₁ Modified Bessel function of first kind, order 1 - K ₀ Modified Bessel function of second kind, order 0 - L Length of hole, based on diameter D, giving same pressure drop as actual spinnerette holes - dm/dt Mass flowrate of liquid - N Total number of holes in spinnerette (1580) - p Isotropic pressure in squeeze film - P _RES Isotropic pressure in reservoir behind lower plate of spinnerette - p–P _RES - (dp/dr)_s Pressure gradient in squeeze film - (dp/dr)_L Pressure gradient in lower film below spinnerette when distributor plate is used - Q Total liquid volume flowrate - q _s Volume flowrate through squeeze film at radius r - q _L Volume flowrate through lower film at radius r - r radial coordinate - R radius of upper disc - - v Velocity of upper disc relative to lower one (simulated by Q/R ² in continuous flow system) - V _R Average radial liquid velocity at radius R - V _S Liquid exit velocity from single hole - V _r V V _z Point velocity components in r, and z directions respectively - z Axial coordinate - Parameter in (8) (3ND ⁴/32LR ² h ³) - Viscosity of liquid - Density of liquid - _rz Shear stress