Comparison of generalized Reynolds and Navier Stokes equations for flow of a power law fluid

This paper compares a finite element solution of a modified Reynolds equation with a finite difference solution of the Navier-Stokes equation for a power law fluid. Both the finite element and finite difference formulation are reviewed. Solutions to spiral flow in parallel and conical geometries are compared. Comparison with experimental results are also given. The effects of the assumptions used in the Reynolds equation are discussed.