On the application of Rabinowitsch fluid model on an annular ring hydrostatic thrust bearing

Present theoretical analysis investigates the effects of centrifugal inertia on the performance of annular ring hydrostatic thrust bearings lubricated with non-Newtonian pseudoplastic lubricants—Rabinowitsch fluid model. Solution for pressure distribution has been obtained in the analysis. The influence of centrifugal inertia in the recess region is also considered by taking non-constant recess pressure. The load capacity and flow rate have been calculated numerically for various values of pseudoplastic parameter. In the limiting case in which there is an absence of pseudoplasticity, the results are compared with the pre-established results of Newtonian lubricants and found in good agreement.

► Rabinowitsch fluid model effectively describe the effects of lubricant additives.
► This model fits experimental data for a vast range of shear rate.
► Annular ring bearings do not show cavitation upto remarkably high speed.
► Non-Newtonian effects on load capacity increases with increase of inertia.