Thermohydrodynamic Analysis of Laminar Incompressible Journal Bearings

Abstract

Thermohydrodynamic effects in journal bearings operating under steady-state loading are investigated. An analytical model for the finite journal bearings was formulated. The model includes correction factors for the cavitation effects and the mixing of the recirculating oil and supply oil at the inlet. A finite difference computer program was developed to numerically solve the Reynolds, energy, Laplace heat-conduction equations, and a viscosity-temperature relation simultaneously. The program includes a numerical solution technique for obtaining an isothermal shaft temperature and handles the mixing of the recirculating oil and supply oil. Good agreement with published experimental tests was obtained. It was also found that conservative solutions for the film temperature and load-carrying capacity can be obtained by imposing an adiabatic boundary condition on the bush inner surface. Such simple boundary conditions result in significant computational savings and, therefore, may be attractive to the practicing designer.

Presented at the 40th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada May 6–9, 1985

Notes

Presented at the 40th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada May 6–9, 1985