This paper aims to utilize an evolutionary algorithm as an optimization technique to solve design optimization of a pivoted‐pad journal bearing performance characteristics…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to utilize an evolutionary algorithm as an optimization technique to solve design optimization of a pivoted‐pad journal bearing performance characteristics considering objective functions which are contradictory to each other. These functions include fluid film thickness, film temperature, and power loss along with design variables vector, which consists of pad axial length to journal diameter ratio, pad arc length, bearing radial clearance, pad offset factor, and pad preload factor.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to improve performance characteristics of the pivoted‐pad journal bearing, the genetic algorithm (GA) was employed and the modeling of the bearing was represented with the finite element method. Also, a numerical method, global criterion, was conducted to validate the efficiency and applicability of the proposed method.
Findings
This paper utilizes the GA to solve multi‐objective optimization of the pivoted‐pad journal bearing performance governed by design variables such as pad axial length to journal diameter ratio, pad arc length, bearing radial clearance, pad offset factor, and pad preload factor for a range of rotational speed. The global criterion method (GCM) proves that the proposed method is very efficient and useful for the optimal design of the pivoted‐pad journal bearings. An acceptable results agreement between the GA and the GCM has been obtained. The GA is well suited to find the optimum solutions with a high probability since it starts with an initial set of solutions rather than a single solution. The GA explores different areas of search space in parallel and, it is good at exploitation.
Originality/value
With the help of the proposed method, it will be possible to have an idea about bearing geometric parameters on a more rational basis, and to better predict the dynamic performance of rotor systems supported on the pivoted‐pad journal bearings.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to implement an optimization approach for the tilting‐pad journal bearing using the genetic algorithm (GA), and compare the results with the method of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to implement an optimization approach for the tilting‐pad journal bearing using the genetic algorithm (GA), and compare the results with the method of feasible design (MFD).
Design/methodology/approach
The optimum design of a five‐pad tilting‐pad bearing is studied for the optimal performance, considering system minimum power loss along with design criteria such as: fluid film thickness, film temperature, and film pressure with respect to design variables consisting of pad axial length to journal diameter ratio, pad arc length, bearing radial clearance, pad offset factor, and pad preload factor.
Findings
The algorithms are repeated until no search direction can be found that will improve objective function without violating the constraints. Thus, the algorithms are performed for complete search to get the best possible solution of the design. The comparison mainly focuses on the empirical solutions. The GA obtained reasonably good results for the objective function and comparable to the MFD.
Originality/value
The availability of the GA is certainly of value because it allows the exploration of many different configurations of design variables and therefore also contributes to the better knowledge of the rotor‐bearing system behavior in general.