Three-Dimensional Modeling of Thermohydrodynamic Lubrication in Slider Bearings Using Streamline Upwind Petrov-Galerkin Method

Abstract

A three-dimensional thermohydrodynamic lubrication model which couples the Reynolds and energy equations is developed in the finite-element program Sepran. The model uses the streamline upwind Petrov-Galerkin method. Model results indicate the peak temperature is not on the mid-plane surface. This position shifts toward the mid-plane as the width-to-length ratio is reduced from 10 to 1 as well as when pressure boundary conditions are altered in such a way that the inlet/outlet pressure is higher than the side pressure. The adiabatic temperature profiles of an infinite slider and a square slider are compared. The wider slider shows a higher peak temperature. The side flow plays a major role in determining the value and position of the peak temperature. Model results also indicate peak side flow at a width-to-length ratio of 2.