Qualitative properties of the free-boundary of the Reynolds equation in lubrication.
The hydrodynamic lubrication of a cylindrical bearing is governed by the Reynolds equation that must be satisfied by the pressure of lubricating oil. When cavitation occurrs we are carried to an elliptic free-boundary problem where the free-boundary separates the lubricated region from the cavited region. Some qualitative properties are obtained about the shape of the free-boundary as well as the localization of the cavited region.