Operation Parameters' Effect on Gaseous Bubbles in Lubricant of Groove Textured Journal Bearing

Abstract

Operation parameter influences on the behavior of the gaseous bubble in the lubricant for a groove textured journal bearing are studied under the consideration of the thermal effect of the bearing–shaft system. The influence is analyzed by simultaneously solving Rayleigh–Plesset (RP), energy, and Reynolds equations. The computer code for the analyzing the bubble behavior is validated. Numerical results show that appropriately increasing the width–diameter ratio of the bearing and rotational speed of the shaft, or decreasing the applied load and inlet temperature of the lubricant, can decrease the maximum radius, collapse pressure, and temperature of the bubble.