Film Shape Optimization for Two-Dimensional Rough Slider Bearings

Abstract

ABSTRACTA new approach was proposed in the present study for optimizing the film shape of rough slider bearings to obtain maximum load-carrying capacity under center of pressure demand. The average flow model was used to specify the effect of surface roughness on the Reynolds equation. The partial differential equations were solved using the multiphysics software COMSOL, and film shape was optimized with the method of moving asymptotes (MMA). The new method was compared with the existing work to validate its feasibility and accuracy. Effects of surface roughness patterns and size and shape of polynomial function degrees on the load-carrying capacity have been investigated and the optimum shapes and corresponding load-carrying capacity under different roughness patterns were acquired. The optimization results reveal that the new approach with combined COMSOL and MMA is effective in shape optimization for rough slider bearings. For a square bearing, the isotropic roughness pattern enhances load-carrying capacity most.