A Non-Newtonian TEHL Analysis of Tilting-Pad Bearings Subjected to Inlet Pressure Build-Up

Abstract

The characteristics of the infinitely wide tilting pad bearings operating under thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) condition were investigated theoretically. The power-law rheological model was chosen to describe the non-Newtonian flow of the lubricant. An iterative procedure was developed to determine the shear stresses as well as the equivalent viscosity within the oil film. The analysis considers, simultaneously or individually, the following affecting factors: generation and transfer of heat, elastic and thermo-elastic deformations of bearing components due to pressure and temperature, and the inlet pressure build-up. The results were presented and discussed in terms of the applicable non-dimensional parameters.