Wavelet-multigrid analysis of squeeze film characteristics of poroelastic bearings

The combined study of effects of poroelasticity and couple stresses on the performance of lubrication aspects of porelastic bearings in general and that of synovial joints in particular are analyzed. The modified form of Reynolds equation which incorporates the elastic nature of cartilage and Stokes couple-stress fluid as lubricant is derived and solved using a recently developed wavelet multigrid method. This method has greatest advantage of minimizing the errors using wavelet transforms in obtaining accurate solution as grid size tends to zero. It is found that, 6–7 cycles are required to obtain a reasonably accurate solution in the multigrid scheme, whereas, only one cycle is required to obtain the solution in the wavelet-multigrid method. Also, matrix of discrete wavelet-transform acts as a natural preconditioner producing rapid convergence. It is observed that, the poroelastic bearings with couple-stress fluid as lubricant provide enhancement in pressure and ensure the increased load carrying capacity compared with viscous fluids. This may be one of the reasons in the efficient lubrication and proper functioning of synovial joints.