A full 3D computational model for tilting-pad journal bearings and comparing it to 2D models

Abstract

In this paper, a new model is developed to analyze a tilting pad bearing with 5 pads in a load-between-pad configuration in three dimensions. Isothermal Navier-Stokes equations with phase fraction equation for cavitation model are solved for 3D steady state simulation using the OpenFOAM package. Results show that with decrease in eccentricity, the difference between the 3D and 2D simulations increases. This is mainly due to the fluid inertia effects when entering the pads. Although applying the inertial boundary condition to the 2D model reduces the discrepancy, the difference in pressure distribution remains. Thus, at the lower eccentricity ratio, it is highly recommended to use 3D model in order to calculate pressure distribution precisely in tilting pad journal bearing.