Influence of spherical protruded and dimple texture on the journal bearing performance: A comparative theoretical analysis implementing JFO boundary conditions

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the spherical protruded and dimple textured journal bearings performance characteristics with the untextured bearing.Design/methodology/approachThe governing Reynolds equation considering the mass conserving (JFO) boundary conditions is solved using the computationally efficient progressive mesh densification (PMD) method. The central difference scheme is used for the discretization of the governing Reynolds equation. The numerical code developed is validated with the experimental results available in the literature.FindingsFrom this numerical study, it has been observed that the protruded textured journal bearing gives better performance compared to the dimple textured and untextured journal bearing for friction variable, whereas dimple textured journal bearing provides better performance compared to the protruded textured and untextured journal bearing for load carrying capacity and flow coefficient. For better performance, dimple and protruded textured bearings must be textured in second-half textured region configuration.Practical implicationsThe results shown here would be quite useful for the researchers generally and the bearing designers particularly.Originality/valueThe load carrying capacity should be maximum whereas, the friction coefficient should be minimum and also the adequate flow of lubricant is necessary to maintain hydrodynamic lubrication and to remove the heat generated within the bearing due to friction, which impacts the bearing performance and life. Thus, this study would be significant in effective bearing design aspect.