A Comprehensive Fluid-Solid Interaction Analysis of Finite Journal Bearings

Abstract

As key elements in plenty of rotating machinery, the elastohydrodynamic performance of journal bearings should be carefully checked in light of the design and operating parameters considered. This first part of the current study aims to numerically analyse the operation of journal bearings under alignment conditions. In the fluid-solid interaction analysis conducted, the lubricant flow field is solved using the finite volume method. Based on finite elements strategy, a structural analysis is then implemented to the solid bearing using the pressure distribution computed earlier on its inner surface. A wide range of operating conditions has been considered including the eccentricity ratio (0.1≤ε≤0.9), bearing length-diameter ratio (0.8≤L/D≤2), and rotation speed (4,000≤N≤10,000 rpm). Three principal categories of operational quantities have inspected, namely; the lubricant pressure distribution, overall performance parameters, and structural aftereffects. Among all the parameters examined, the eccentricity ratio is the most influential one on the performance of journal bearings. As it increases with applying heavier loads, a significant rise occurs in each of the friction force, power loss, stress levels, and deformation on the inner surface of the bearing. The bearing length and rotation speed, on the other hand, affect the bearing performance as well, but to a less extent.