A Three Dimensional Thermohydrodynamic Finite Element Scheme for Fluid Film Bearings

Abstract

A finite element procedure is presented for the solution of fluid film lubrication problem that allows for a temperature dependent viscosity. The major concern is with the solution of the three dimensional fluid film and pad energy equations. A major advantage of the method developed here over previous finite element schemes is that the system of equations for the temperature field may be solved by iterative methods. This is because the discrete equations are formulated using either the parabolic form of the energy equation along with appropriate backwards differencing, or using upwinding with the elliptic form of the energy equation. The method is powerful in that it can treat bearing film with reverse flow. A convenience of the method is that the film and pad are treated as a single continuum and their temperature fields solved for simultaneously.

Presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California May 11–14, 1987

Notes

Presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California May 11–14, 1987