Liquid flow in a gap between a cylinder and a wall in motion

The results of an experimental investigation and calculations of the location of the minimum pressure point are presented for the case, when a cylindrical body moves along a wall in the presence of a small gap. The pressure on the cylindrical body surface is measured in the confusor and diffuser regions. It is shown that with decrease in the gap the minimum pressure point is displaced toward the minimum gap line, with increase in the pressure drop. An increase in the velocity of the motion at a constant gap leads only to a pressure increase in the diffuser region, while the location of the minimum pressure point remains the same. It is established that an increase in the inner cylinder radius moves the minimum pressure location away from the minimum gap line. The formation of two return flow regions in the confusor and diffuser regions near the cylindrical surface is detected. It is shown that the return flow in the pressure drop region reaches the stage of incipient cavitation bubbles. The results obtained can be useful in lubrication theory, as well as in medicine and biology.