Lubrication impact of ferrofluid on cylinder-plate system: A comparative study using two flow models

Squeeze-film characteristics between a long cylinder and an infinite flat plate system are analysed. Ferrofluid (FF) lubricant controlled by transverse uniformly strong magnetic field is used for reducing wear and prolonging life of the system. The modified combined Reynolds equation is derived using two different FF flow models (Shliomis and Jenkins), and continuity equation. The expression for dimensionless film-pressure, load-carrying capacity and squeeze time are derived and calculated numerically for different control parameters. The results show significant improvement in the performance of the system when smaller value of minimum film thickness is chosen. Moreover, the phenomenon can be simulated by both the models equally with proper choice of the parameters.