Limits of the Reynolds equation for negative pressure sliders

This study shows that the assumptions required to simplify the Navier-Stokes Equations to the Reynolds Equation are not valid for negative-pressure sliders. This is caused by the large depth of a negative-pressure cavity. This finding is demonstrated theoretically and numerically. The theoretical analysis examines the typical values of the terms in the Navier-Stokes Equation for flow in a negative-pressure cavity. The numerical analysis compares results from the solution of both equations under a negative-pressure cavity. Experimental results are also presented that support this hypothesis