Abstract： Under the influence of an applied electric field, the variation of apparent viscosity of electrorheological (ER) fluid flow causes ER effects. According to the Bingham model, which is widely used for describing the rheological properties of ER fluids, this variation should be very weak at high shear rate. To clarify the ER effects in ER journal bearings at high shear rate, a numerical study is presented. It is found that under influence of the applied electric field, ER effects in ER journal bearings can be affected by not only the apparent viscosity of ER fluids but also the movement of yield surface in the clearance of ER journal bearing. In the case of low shear rate, both are effective on the lubricant film pressure of ER journal bearings. In the case of high shear rates, the main factor is the extension of non-yield region in the bearing clearance.
2002, Vol. 19 
