Thermohydrodynamic Analysis of Submerged Oil Journal Bearings Considering Surface Roughness Effects

Abstract

A theoretical study of a submerged oil journal bearing is made considering surface roughness and thermal effects. The total load-supporting ability under such condition is due to the thermohydrodynamic as well as the asperity contact pressure. The effect of surface roughness and viscosity-temperature dependency on hydrodynamic pressure has been found by solving the average Reynolds equation, energy equation and heat conduction equations simultaneously. The cavitation model of Jacobsson-Floberg has been modified to take the surface roughness effects into consideration. A parametric study of steady-state behavior has been carried out. Finally, the isothermal, thermohydrodynamic, and contact loads for a model bearing have been calculated, assuming the surface height distribution as Gaussian.