Investigation on Magnetohydrodynamic fluid flow in a slider Bearing

Abstract

In the present study an analysis of the performance characteristics of finite slider bearings with an electrically conducting fluid in presence of transverse magnetic field is made. A generalized two dimensional Reynolds-type equation is derived using the MHD motion equations with Maxwell’s equations. The film pressure is numerically solved from the MHD Reynolds-type equation using iterative method of conjugate Gradient. The software MATLAB was utilized to achieve this approach. This pressure is used to evaluate the bearing characteristics such as load carrying capacity and friction parameter. These results were compared with those of the non-conducting lubricant and presented graphically. The application of magnetic field signifies an influence on the load carrying capacity and the friction parameter of the slider bearing depending upon the values of the Hartmann number, aspect ratio and the inlet-outlet film thickness ratio. It is clearly seen that the load carrying capacity increases considerably with an increase in the application of the magnetic field and with increase of the film thickness ratio.