A Galerkin finite element solution of the time dependent Reynolds equation for the rectangular gas slider bearing

The study of gas as a Lubricant between two non-paraUel rigid surfaces in relative motion is a particular case of viscous compressibLe fluid flow under restrictive conditions. MathematicalLy, this physical phenomenon is governed by Reynolds equation which is a non-linear partial di f ferent iai equation of parabolic type. Closed form solutions are rare, excepting special cases, usually of a simplified problem. Previous numerical solutions have mainly used the method of finite differences but recent studies have employed the finite element method to solve the time-independent Reynolds equation. However, as for the time-dependent case, it appears this is the first ever attempt to use the Galerkin finite element technique to solve the transient Reynolds equation. As such, hopefully, a small claim of originality in présentât ion of the solution technique is justified.