The finite volume solution of the Reynolds equation of lubrication with film discontinuities

The present work deals with the numerical solution of the Reynolds equation of lubrication in the specific case where the film thickness is discontinuous. The present approach is obtained within the framework of a finite volume discretization and enables concentrated inertia effects to be taken into account, as described by a generalized Bernoulli equation. The classic finite volume formulation is included as a special case when discontinuities are absent. Some numerical examples show that the conservative properties of the finite volume discretization are maintained even when the pressure field is discontinuous. A typical application shows that the film discontinuities should always be taken into account in a consistent physical manner in order to eliminate the awkward question of their impact on global results of technological interest. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.