An approach of simulating journal bearings-gear pump system including components’ cavitation

Abstract

The present study aims to solve a system-level problem regarding a journal bearings-gear pump based on a novel simulation model. The developed model consists of different modules: a fluid dynamic model for the pump, a lubrication model for the bearings, a model for the evaluation of shaft motion and a geometrical model. Cavitation models, i.e., the Jakobsson-Floberg-Olsson (JFO)-based model for bearing conformal contacts and the real liquid property model for the pump displacement chamber, are also integrated as submodels to obtain accurate cavitation results of the system. To acquire precise results, the bearing transient lubrication model includes the combined effect of the misalignment and surface roughness. These acquired solutions were based on Reynolds’ theory. The proposed model allows an analysis of the characteristics of the pump-bearing system, including the pump internal flow, bearings lubrication and components’ cavitation, which is applied to calculate the journal bearings-gear pump system used in an aero-engine.