Squeeze-film flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid: Similarity solution and limiting Weissenberg number (Q2265885)

In this paper we consider the motion of an Oldroyd-B fluid being squeezed between two parallel disks of infinite extent. We show that a similarity solution exists provided that the fluid inertia is neglected and that the squeezing velocity varies exponentially with time. We prove that there is a critical Weissenberg number above which at least one component of the stresses grows unboundedly with time. This critical Weissenberg number is of the order of 0.67. This latter conclusion is also valid in the continuous squeeze-film mode.