Modeling a Hydrodynamic Bearing With Provision for Misalignments and Textures

Abstract

Surface texturing is one effective means to improve bearing performance. Available studies are mainly focused on the perfectly aligned journal bearing with textures. The studies involving the effect of surface texturing on the misaligned bearing are still limited. In the present study, a transient mixed lubrication model that allows predicting evolution of friction characteristics with high efficiency was proposed. The misalignment of journal bearing under the time-varying applied load was considered using two deflection angles. The performance of journal bearing with provision for misalignments and textures was studied using the proposed model. The results involving the orbits of the journal center and the energy loss of different misaligned journal bearings were obtained. The influences of misalignment degree and surface texturing on these parameters were analyzed. The results show that along with the increased deflection angles, the effect of texturing on the tribological performance of journal bearing would turn beneficial into harmful.