FLUID MECHANICS

CONCEPTS
FLUID MECHANICS CONCEPTS
Turbulence and Laminar Flow
The analyses of fluid flow are mostly based on the existence of laminar viscous flow. Based
on O. Reynolds’ observations in 1886, laminar flow implies that the fluid flows as in a series
of parallel or concentric surfaces or layers, with relative velocities but no mixing between
the layers.

Laminar flow occurs in bearings and machine elements at low relative velocities.

At high velocities, turbulence occurs in the fluid film.

The critical flow velocity at which turbulence is initiated is based on the dimensional Reynolds
number, a ratio of inertia to viscous forces, given as
FLUID MECHANICS CONCEPTS
Re = vd/ = vd/
where  is the Kinematic viscosity, v is the linear velocity and d is the diameter of a tube for
flow through a tube or the film thickness for flow between the two surfaces. Generally, a
Reynolds number of about 2000 is the critical value above which turbulence occurs.

Petroff’s Equation
For a concentric (lightly loaded) journal bearing shown in Figure, the friction force in journal
bearings for Newtonian flow is given as

𝑢𝑎
𝐹 = 𝜇𝑂 𝐴
ℎ
where A is the surface area of the bearing interface, h is the film thickness or bearing
clearance, ua is the relative velocity, and μ0 is the viscosity at ambient pressure and constant
temperature.
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The coefficient of friction is given as

𝐹 2𝜋𝜇𝑜 𝑟 2 𝑏𝜔
𝜇= =
𝑊 𝑊ℎ

where W is the normal applied load. Friction torque is given as

2𝜋𝜇𝑜 𝑟 3 𝑏𝜔
𝜇=𝐹𝑟=
ℎ

Equation was first proposed by Petroff and is known as Petroff’s equation.

FLUID MECHANICS CONCEPTS
One-Dimensional Flow Between Parallel Plates

Consider flow through the clearance h between two parallel surfaces of width b and length l
along the x-axis, with the top surface moving with a velocity ua and the bottom surface at rest, as shown in Figure.

If the width b is large compared to the length l, side flow can be neglected and the fluid flow can be assumed as one-
dimensional along the length axis. Assume that the fluid is Newtonian and the flow is laminar. Further, assume that
inertia and body (gravity) forces can be neglected, viscosity of the fluid is constant, μo, and the fluid film thickness is
much smaller than other dimensions.

Linear velocity profile with two plates in relative motion.

FLUID MECHANICS CONCEPTS
The total velocity at any value of z is given by the sum of the pressure-induced (or Poiseuille)
velocity and the shear (or Couette) velocity induced by the movement of the upper surface. The Poiseuille velocity
has a parabolic distribution in z and the Couette velocity has a linear distribution in z, as in Figure.

Parabolic velocity profile with both plates and at rest