Characteristics of water‐lubricated rubber bearings in mixed‐flow lubrication state

Abstract

AbstractTo study the lubrication characteristics of water‐lubricated rubber bearings (WLRBs) in‐mixed flow state, based on the classical laminar and turbulent lubrication theories, the mixed‐flow lubrication equations were established for WLRBs. Adopted the finite difference method, the variation of Reynolds number, water film thickness and pressure with eccentricity, rotational speed and length‐to‐diameter ratio under mixed‐flow lubrication model were investigated. The results show that the mixed‐flow lubrication equations are more suitable for WLRBs in actual operating conditions than the laminar and turbulent theories. In the mixed‐flow lubrication model, the Reynolds number decreases when the eccentricity increases in pressure‐bearing zone; meanwhile, it increases with the rotational speeds. The water film thickness decreases when the eccentricity increases. The film pressure increases with eccentricity and rotational speed. This study can provide reference for the accurate analysis of WLRBs lubrication characteristics under actual engineering applications.