Performance characteristics of two-axial groove journal bearing for different groove angles

Abstract

PurposeDifferent groove angles are used to study performance characteristics of two-axial groove journal bearing. In this study two grooves are located at ±90º to the load line. The various angles of grooves have been taken as 10° to 40° in the interval of 5°. Different equations such as Reynolds equation, three-dimensional energy equation and heat conduction equation have been solved using finite element method and finite difference method. Pressure distribution in fluid is found by using Reynolds equation. The three-dimensional energy equation is used for temperature distribution in the fluid film and bush. One-dimensional heat conduction equation is used for finding temperature in axial direction for journal. There is a very small effect of groove angle on film thickness, eccentricity ratio and pressure. There is a drastic change in attitude angle and side flow. Result shows that there is maximum power loss at large groove angle. So the smaller groove angle is recommended for two-axial groove journal bearing.Design/methodology/approachThe finite element method is used for solving Reynolds equation for pressure distribution in fluid. The finite difference method is adopted for finding temperature distribution in bush, fluid and journal.FindingsPressure distribution in fluid is found out. Temperature distribution in bush, fluid and journal is found out. There is a very small effect of groove angle on film thickness, eccentricity ratio and pressure.Research limitations/implicationsThe groove angle used is from 10 to 40 degree. The power loss is more when angle of groove increases, so smaller groove angle is recommended for this study.Practical implicationsThe location of groove angle predicts the distribution of pressure and temperature in journal bearing. It will show the performance characteristics. ±90° angle we will prefer that will get before manufacturing of bearing.Social implicationsDue to this study, we will get predict how the pressure and temperature distribute in the journal. It will give the running condition of bearing as to at what speed and load we will get the maximum temperature and pressure in the bearing.Originality/valueThe finite element method is used for solving the Reynolds equation. Three-dimensional energy equation is solved using the finite difference method. Heat conduction equation is also solved for journal. The C language is used. The code is developed in C language. There are different equations which depend on each other. The temperature is dependent on pressure viscosity of fluid, etc. so C code is preferred.