The effect of turbulence on the performance of a two-lobe journal bearing lubricated with a couple stress fluid

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents an analysis of the static characteristics of two-lobe journal bearings lubricated with couple stress fluids operating in a turbulent regime. The modified Reynolds equation for a couple stress fluids taking into consideration the effect of turbulence is solved using finite difference method. The load-carrying capacity, attitude angle, friction coefficient and side leakage are determined for various values of the couple stress parameter and Reynolds number. It is found that the couple stress fluids affect significantly on the performance of a two-lobe journal bearing in laminar and turbulent regime.

Design/methodology/approach

The modified Reynolds equation for a couple stress fluids taking into consideration the effect of turbulence is solved using finite difference method.

Findings

It is found that the couple stress fluids affect significantly on the performance of a two-lobe journal bearing in laminar and turbulent regime.

Originality/value

A couple stress fluid is used for lubrication of a two-lobe journal bearing in turbulent regime and laminar.

Citation

Chetti, B. (2016), "The effect of turbulence on the performance of a two-lobe journal bearing lubricated with a couple stress fluid", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 68 No. 3, pp. 336-340. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-06-2015-0072