Squeeze fluid film of spherical hydrophobic surfaces with wall slip

Isothermal squeeze film flow of Newtonian fluid between spherical hydrophobic surfaces with wall slip is investigated using a limiting shear stress model and complementary algorithm. Wall slip velocity is controlled by the liquid–solid interface limiting shear stress. It is found that the wall slip dramatically decreases the hydrodynamic support force of the squeeze fluid film. In the case of large wall slip the hydrodynamic support force increases only slightly with the decrease in the film thickness. We find that wall slip decreases with increasing film thickness and limiting shear stress, but increases with increasing fluid viscosity and approaching velocity. An empirical equation is given for prediction of the fluid load support capacity. The possible effect of pressure on wall slip is also discussed. It is found that fluid pressure suppresses wall slip after the proportionality coefficient of limiting shear stress reaches a critical threshold. However, almost no effect is found when it is below this critical threshold. Good agreements exist between the present theoretical predictions and some existing experimental observations.