A Thermo-Elasto-Hydrodynamic Study of Journal Bearing With Controlled Deflection

Abstract

A thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic study of a specially modified journal bearing is included. A numerical simulation is carried out by the finite element method, coupling the deflection of the bearing housing and the pressure derived from the Reynolds equation. In turn, this is coupled through its temperature dependent viscosity terms to the energy equation. Elastic effects are treated in three dimensions. Thermal effects are considered in three dimensions in both the lubricating film and bearing housing with convection specified on the housing boundaries. The bearing is specially modified with an undercut on the bearing housing. It will be demonstrated that by design an appropriate deflection of the undercut can be achieved to improve the load capacity.