Effect of nano-additives lubricant on the dynamic performance of textured journal bearing

Abstract

The modern day research aimed at increasing the load-carrying capability of the bearing prompts the researchers to focus more on the field of tribology. The texturing on the bearing surface plays a significant role in enhancing the Load carrying capacity (LCC) and reducing the friction coefficient. The bearing improved performance characteristics, which have been observed with different types and shapes of texture applied in the various regions of the bearing. As reported in the literature, the bearings with texture are reasonably more stable in comparison with bearings with no texture. To check or study the stability analysis, the calculation of the dynamic performance parameters like stiffness coefficient and damping coefficient can be done by using the finite element method in solving the governing Reynolds equation. The performance parameters like dynamic and stability being obtained in the literature as optimal values of depth of texture, eccentricity ratio or load, and location of the textures proved to be more suitable for duly loaded and high-speed machinery. The nanoparticles’ addition in the plain oils is a significant approach in enhancing the characteristics, such as friction and wear resistance. Many additives in various concentrations are mixed in lubricants for enhancing the different properties as per the requirement. A comprehensive review of previous studies provide the important information for researchers to select the appropriate nano-additive lubricants for further studies in this direction for the better performance of bearings. The addition of nano-additive in the lubricant found an effective way to improve the bearing performance. It is found that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles improves the dynamic coefficient of bearing, which also includes the couple stress parameters. A journal bearing with nanoparticle additive in the lubricants increases the LCC and reduces the coefficient of friction (COF) with the influence of couple stresses as the couple stresses fluids have a great potential to affect the performance to a greater extent. Ceramic and metallic nanoparticles like CuO, CeO, and Al2O3 are found to be functioning significantly as lubricants because these additives show considerable increase in the LCC of bearings. The addition of commercially available nanoparticles in lubricants leads to enhanced pressure drop and improved lubricant viscosity, which further increases the LCC of the bearing. Finally, this piece of writing provides the directions to use nanoparticles in an effective and efficient manner for the enhancement of dynamic performance in the lubrication industry.