Squeeze flow modeling with the use of micropolar fluid theory

The aim of this paper is to study the applicability of micropolar fluid theory to modeling and to calculating tribological squeeze flow characteristics depending on the geometrical dimension of the flow field. Based on analytical solutions in the lubrication regime of squeeze flow between parallel plates, calculations of the load capacity and time required to squeeze the film are performed and compared – as a function of the distance between the plates – for both fluid models: the micropolar model and the Newtonian model. In particular, maximum distance between the plates for which the micropolar effects of the fluid become significant will be established. Values of rheological constants of the fluids, both those experimentally determined and predicted by means of using equilibrium molecular dynamics, have been used in the calculations. The same analysis was performed as a function of dimensionless microstructural parameters.