Numerical modelling of viscous non-Newtonian effects in lubricating systems

Modern lubricants often exhibit shear-thinning due to the presence of high molecular weight polymers as additives. Therefore the influence of such non-Newtonian effects on the performances of lubricating systems must be predicted. The corresponding fluid film flow is governed by a non-linear partial differential equation, which generalizes the classical Reynolds equation. Having prescribed adequate boundary conditions, this equation is solved by a finite element method with optimal control. The problem of the square slider bearing lubricated by the Rabinowitsch fluid is solved in order to test the accuracy of the numerical scheme. The pressure and velocity fields are given and compared with the corresponding ones obtained for the Newtonian fluid.