Formation of dynamic reconfigurable electric field gradients in thin lubricant films through transient elastohydrodynamic squeeze film action

This paper introduces a new method of creating reconfigurable electric field gradients in thin lubricant films through the normal approach of a rigid indenter onto a compliant bearing structure. Assuming a double layer potential with identical electroosmotic flow mobility values on the bearing surfaces, the governing elastohydrodynamic and electrostatic equations can be treated as weakly coupled spatially one-dimensional problems, which greatly facilitates analysis. It is shown that a spatially non-uniform film thickness pocket pinched at the bearing sides can be developed for a considerable length of time from a steady unidirectional load. The time history of predicted side film thickness values and electric field gradients suggests that the proposed method may be applicable for selective trapping of nanoparticles through dielectrophoresis.