Conrod Bearings With an Optimized Narrow Circumferential Oil Groove: Simulated Durability Improvement for Heavy Duty Applications

Abstract

Under normal operating conditions, engine crankshaft bearings experience variations in oil film temperature due to shearing of the oil film. This can have a negative impact on the bearing operating life since the viscosity of the lubricant is temperature dependent. In the current study, a thermoelastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) analysis has been conducted using an inhouse specialized simulation package called (software for analysis of bearings in reciprocating engines) SABRETEHL. This advanced simulation tool has been used to optimize a new bearing design feature leading to a significant temperature reduction, which in turn increases the robustness of the system.