A simplified thermoelastohydrodynamic model for a parallel surface slider

The present paper presents an original, quasi-analytical, thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) model for a fluid film, parallel surface, elastic slider. Temperature variation along the slider is included in a simplified manner, based on Tipei assumption (viscosity variation along the pad is proportional to film thickness variation) [Tipei N. Theory of lubrication. Stanford, CA: Stanford University; 1962]. The elastic deformation of the slider, due to film pressure, is estimated using a simplified 1D elastic beam model. A simple, closed-form equation is proposed for load capacity–film thickness relationship. Parametric analysis performed with this quasi-analytical model shows optimal values for the most important design parameters. It is shown that suitable pad geometry can generate important load-carrying effects.