 Solution

Near the closest point, in $X=x-Ut$, the gap is $h(X)\simeq h_0+X^2/(2a)$. The horizontal length scale is $\ell =\sqrt{2a{h}_0}$, up to an inessential constant. Thus the aspect ratio $h_0/\ell \ll 1$ follows from $h_0\ll a$. The lubrication approximation assumes an incompressible Newtonian fluid, no slip on the surfaces, slow variation of the gap, and negligible inertia relative to transverse viscous stress:This is the reduced Reynolds-number condition; it is weaker than requiring a Reynolds number based on $\ell$ to be small. In the cylinder frame the geometry and flow are steady. Pressure is uniform across the narrow gap to leading order, and equal ambient pressures far to either side close the model. The calculation assumes a full liquid film; cavitation would change that pressure condition.