A Factored Implicit Scheme for the Numerical Solution of the Reynolds Equation at Very Low Spacing

A factored implicit algorithm is developed for the numerical solution of the compressible Reynolds equation. The method is second-order time-accurate, noniterative and allows the calculation of finite width films while requiring only tridiagonal matrix inverses. A variable spacial grid is used which incorporates both numerical resolution as needed and efficiency of computation. The scheme should be especially useful for the calculation of low spacing (< 0.5 micron), high velocity lubricant flows as found in current magnetic recording applications. Numerical results are presented and discussed.