title: The effect of couple stresses in squeeze film poro-elastic bearings with special reference to synovial joints.
abstract: In this paper, a theoretical study of squeeze film poro-elastic bearings with Stokes' couple stress fluid as lubricant is made. The analysis explains the working of poro-elastic bearings in general and describes the lubrication mechanism of synovial joints in particular. Compact closed form expressions for the fluid film pressure, load capacity, and approaching time as a function of film thickness during normal articulation of joints are obtained. It is observed that the bearings with couple stress fluid as lubricant provide significant load carrying capacity and ensure a delayed time of approach compared with viscous lubricants. The influence of elasticity is to increase the load capacity and yield a longer squeeze film time. A decrease in permeability of the bearing surface enhances the load capacity as well as the response time. This results in the efficient lubrication and proper functioning of synovial joints.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Karnatak University, Dharwad, India.
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Bujurke
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Bhavi
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Naduvinamani
mesh_terms: D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008433:Mathematics; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000502:physiology*