Pressure distribution in a curvilinear thrust bearing with pseudo - plastic lubricant

It is well known that lubricating oils, with viscosity index improver added, exhibit the non-Newtonian behavior the same as pseudo-plastic fluids. Starting from the most general fluid flow equation of the power law type expressing rate of shear in terms of powers of shear stress for non-Newtonian lubricants a modified form of Reynolds' equation is derived. The equation is solved by a perturbation method for the thrust bearing. The squeeze film bearing formed by two disks is discussed in detail.