Magneto-hydrodynamic lubrication of finite slider bearings

In this paper, the effect of a transverse magnetic field on the performance characteristics of finite slider bearings with an electrically conducting fluid is presented. To take account of the Lorentz force on the lubricant film, a generalized two-dimensional Reynolds-type equation is derived by using the MHD motion equations with Maxwell equations. This MHD Reynolds equation is applicable to the analysis of finite slider bearings with different film shapes. To illustrate the MHD bearing characteristics, the slider profile with an inclined plane is considered. The film pressure is numerically solved from the MHD Reynolds-type equation and applied to evaluate the bearing characteristics. According to the results obtained, the application of the magnetic field signifies an influence on the load capacity, power loss and friction parameter of slider bearings, depending upon the values of the Hartmann number, aspect ratio and inlet-outlet film thickness ratio.