Optimization of Textured Surface in 2D Parallel Bearings Governed by the Reynolds Equation Including Cavitation and Temperature

Abstract

One-dimensional textured parallel bearings have been successfully optimized for the maximum load capacity or the minimum friction coefficient using a unified computational approach. However, there is no efficient approach allowing for the optimization of two-dimensional (2D) bearings. The work conducted is, in most cases, by "trial and error", i.e. changes are introduced and their effects studied, either experimentally or through numerical parametric studies. This is time consuming and costly. In this paper, a uniform approach to the optimization of surface textures in 2D bearings, based on nonlinear programming routines, is proposed. The approach aims at finding the optimal textured surfaces that support the maximum load and/or minimize friction coefficient. Examples of parallel hydrodynamic bearings with surfaces textured by rectangular or elliptical dimples and governed by Reynolds equations, considering mass-conserving cavitation and decrease in viscosity due to temperature change are optimized. Results of the optimization are comparable to those obtained using an exhaustive search and found in literature.

The Influence of Surface Texturing on the Frictional Behaviour in Starved Lubricated Parallel Sliding Contacts

“…They show that in presence of surface texturing, the average temperature of the lubricating film reduces. In work of Guzek et al [32], upon an optimization of the surface texturing parameters in parallel bearings, they numerically solved the Reynolds equation, considering mass-conserving cavitation and viscosity changes due to temperature change. They showed that the decrease in viscosity due to the temperature rise can reduce the load carrying capacity.…”

Microscopic design and optimization of hydrodynamically lubricated dissipative interfaces

“…Note that the present focus is on the design of the interface and not on the analysis of a prescribed texture (see the work of Gropper et al for a review of commonly prescribed texture geometries and related analysis approaches). One advantage of existing design studies is their ability to address the problem directly through a complete mesoscale analysis in the lack of a clear scale separation that is necessary for the application of the homogenization theory . Another advantage is that, considering the large number of design variables that are typically needed in topology optimization, they can restrict the design space to achieve optimal designs in a numerically more efficient manner .…”

“…One advantage of existing design studies is their ability to address the problem directly through a complete mesoscale analysis in the lack of a clear scale separation that is necessary for the application of the homogenization theory. [17][18][19][20] Another advantage is that, considering the large number of design variables that are typically needed in topology optimization, they can restrict the design space to achieve optimal designs in a numerically more efficient manner. [21][22][23] On the other hand, an ability to endow interfaces with very finely distributed intricate geometries using modern manufacturing methods provides an opportunity to question and explore the possibilities of unrestricted microscopic interface geometry design via homogenization-based topology optimization.…”

Numerical analysis and optimization of surface textures for a tilting pad thrust bearing

“…To texture the inlet, the first texture row is simply elongated towards the inlet. Only partially textured pads and angular sector shaped textures with flat bottom profile are considered, as this type of texture pattern most closely reassembles a stepped configuration, which has been shown to have the most beneficial impact on the bearing performance [7,8].…”