The lubrication characteristic of dry powder is studied using the continuum theory of grain flows (1). Appropriate governing equations and boundary conditions are derived for the powder flow through the clearance space of a bearing. The equations take into account the energy loss due to grain fluctuations, and consideration is given to the particle slippage at the boundaries. As a special case, closed-form analytical solutions are derived for the average random speed, flow velocity, pressure and shear stress for the flow of grains in the clearance space of an infinitely long slider bearing. Results are presented for various performance parameters such as the load-carrying capacity and the friction coefficient.Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the STLE/ASME Tribology Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 24–27, 1993