Numerical analysis of finite bearing operating under non-Newtonian lubricant and flow turbulence effect

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the combined influence of turbulence and shear-thinning/shear-thickening lubricant on the steady-state characteristics of hydrodynamic journal bearings. The modified Navier–Stokes equation for linear turbulence and non-Newtonian (shear-thinning as well as shear-thickening aspect) lubricants are solved using a finite element method to acquire load capacity, attitude angle, friction coefficient variable, total oil flow, and temperature rise variable for distinct combined values of the flow behavior index and Reynolds number. This work utilizes the Navier–Stokes equation with Ng–Pan's linear turbulence and shear-thinning/shear-thickening lubricant models, which is very helpful in predicting the performance characteristics of hydrodynamic bearings under harsh industrial operating conditions. The results show that the combined presence of non-Newtonian lubricant and turbulence in the flow significantly affects the steady-state performance parameters of such type of bearing compared to existence of individual presence of turbulence and non-Newtonian lubricant in the clearance space. This work helped to provide better insight into the operation of journal bearings in a severe environment owing to the high speed and changes in the nature of lubricant.