Chapter 2: Elements for Modeling Thin Films

Mechanical APDL offers these elements for modeling thin film effects:

FLUID136 and FLUID138 are used to model squeeze film effects.
FLUID139 is used to model slide film effects.
FLUID218 is used to model both effects for hydrodynamic bearing applications. (For more information, see the Rotordynamic Analysis Guide.)

Table 2.1: Thin Film Fluid Elements

Element	Dimens.	Shape or Characteristic	DOF
FLUID136	3D	Quadrilateral, 4- or 8-node	PRES
FLUID138	3D	Line, 2-node	PRES
FLUID139	1D	Line, 2-node	UX or UY or UZ
FLUID218	3D	Quadrilateral, 4-node	PRES, UX, UY, UZ