The occurrence of time-dependent cavitation and tensile stress in an oscillatory oil squeeze film were investigated experimentally. The test apparatus was a simple thrust bearing consisting of two parallel circular plates separated by a thin viscous oil film. During the test, one plate was at rest while tne other (transparent) oscillated in a direction normal to its surface. This test configuration was chosen to avoid the rotational motion and complicated geometry of a squeeze film Journal bearing. The frequency of oscillation was in the range of 5 to 50 Hz and was controlled by an electro-magnetic exciter. The process of cavity formation and its subsequent development was recorded by a high-speed video camera. Concomitant pressure in the oil film was measured both within and without the cavitation region. It was found that both tensile stress and cavities existed in a squeeze film under certain working conditions. The occurrence of time-dependent cavitation and tensile stress in an oscillatory oil squeeze film were investigated experimentally. The test apparatus was a simple thrust bearing consisting of two parallel circular plates separated by a thin viscous oil film. During the test, one plate was at rest while tne other (transparent) oscillated in a direction normal to its surface. This test configuration was chosen to avoid the rotational motion and complicated geometry of a squeeze film Journal bearing. The frequency of oscillation was in the range of 5 to 50 Hz and was controlled by an electro-magnetic exciter. The process of cavity formation and its subsequent development was recorded by a high-speed video camera. Concomitant pressure in the oil film was measured both within and without the cavitation region. It was found that both both tensile stress and cavities existed in a squeeze film under certain working conditions.