Abstract
The limitations of analyses of the characteristics of viscous flow systems based on the assumption of constant fluid viscosity have been recognized for a considerable period of time and attempts to overcome them have previously been made by suggesting the use of a ‘mean effective’ value of viscosity. It has become increasingly obvious, however, that the large changes which often occur in the value of the viscosity of most hydraulic fluids suitable for use in fluid power and lubricating systems can no longer be disregarded and a more exact study of the results of the effects produced by variations of both pressure and temperature on the viscosity of such fluids is desirable.
The present work contains such an analysis, and consideration is given to a system wherein combined Couette and Poiseuille flows occur. Predictions are made of the effects produced under certain operating conditions by the variation of the viscosity of the fluid with both the instantaneous values of the fluid pressure and the fluid temperature. Methods of applying these results to studies of the operation of valve plates for axial piston pumps and motors, radial face or mechanical seals and hydrostatic thrust bearing design are indicated.
Approximate methods of allowing for the effects of heat losses by conduction through the rigid boundaries of the film are suggested and some results of a computer study of these conditions are described.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.