Chunxiao Jiao, Jianghai Xu, Donglin Zou, Na Ta and Zhushi Rao
The purpose of this paper is to study the flow field characteristics of the micro-scale textured bearing surfaces using the lattice Boltzmann method based on the microscopic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the flow field characteristics of the micro-scale textured bearing surfaces using the lattice Boltzmann method based on the microscopic dynamics of the fluid.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering the inertia effects and the micro-scale effects, the models of a single micro-scale texture unit cell with different shapes and different film thickness ratios are established. The influence of pressure difference between inlet and outlet of the unit cell on flow characteristics is studied.
Findings
The surface pressure distribution, flow patterns and pressure contours in the flow field are obtained. The results reveal that the pressure difference has a significant influence on the characteristics of the micro-textured flow field.
Originality/value
The results have certain guiding significance for further step investigation on microscopic lubrication mechanism of the water-lubricated polymer bearings.
Details
Keywords
Fangrui Lv, Chunxiao Jiao, Donglin Zou, Na Ta and Zhu-shi Rao
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the lubrication behavior of misaligned water-lubricated polymer bearings with axial grooves.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the lubrication behavior of misaligned water-lubricated polymer bearings with axial grooves.
Design/methodology/approach
A lubrication model considering journal misalignment, bush deformation and grooves is established. In dynamic analyses of shaft systems, bearings are usually simplified as supporting points. Thus, an approach for solving the equivalent supporting point location is presented. The influence of misalignment angle and groove number on film thickness, hydrodynamic pressure distribution, load-carrying capacity and ESP location is investigated.
Findings
As the misalignment angle increases, the location of the maximum pressure and ESP are shifted toward the down-warping end, and the load-carrying capacity of the bearing decreases. In comparison to the nine-groove bearing, the six grooves bearing has a higher load-carrying capacity and the ESP is located closer to the down-warping end for an equivalent misalignment angle.
Practical implications
The results of this study can be applied to marine propeller shaft systems and other systems with misaligned bearings.
Originality/value
A study on the lubrication behavior of misaligned water-lubricated polymer bearings with axial grooves is of significant interest to the research community.