A wedge-flow approach to lubrication theory

A theory of fluid-film lubrication is developed from an assumption of local wedge-flow, rather than local parallel-channel flow. This leads to a generalization of the Reynolds lubrication equation governing the pressure. A refinement of lubrication theory does not necessarily follow: unlike the parallel-channel case, the stress field may differ significantly from an isotropic pressure, so that imposing ambient conditions on the bearing periphery does not always yield boundary conditions for the pressure equation. If the bearing slope differs appreciably from zero only in the film interior, consistent boundary conditions are once more available.