On the static performance characteristics of ER fluid lubricated asymmetric journal bearing

Abstract

The performance of a hole entry journal bearing with an asymmetrical arrangement of holes is examined in this paper using the finite element method. The lubricant utilised is electrorheological (ER) fluid, and orifice restrictors were used to control flow in each hole. Examined performance variables include lubrication pressure, lubricant film thickness, and bearing flow. The outcomes are contrasted with the Newtonian case. By altering the electric voltage, ER fluid has been used to provide very precise control of lubricant viscosity. When ER fluid driven bearings are compared to Newtonian lubricated bearings, higher pressure values are attained. Variable voltage was used to control the viscosity. At 400 V and 1200 V for W = 1.2, the increase in maximum pressure for the asymmetric hole entry design using ER fluid as the lubricant is calculated to be 8.3 % and 13.8 %, respectively. For the same amount of W, the percentage reduction in bearing flow is 2.5 % and 15.7 % at 400 and 1200 V, respectively.