Radial deformation analysis of couple stress fluid operated multi-lobe hydrodynamic journal bearing

Abstract

In high speed rotating machine parts the elasticity of the bearings supporting the journal plays key role. The present work is related to couple stress fluid (CSF) operated multi-lobe elastic hydrodynamic (HD) journal bearing. In this work the evaluation of radial deformation in the three dimensional elastic liner of bearing has been done. Here finite element method is used to solve the Reynolds equation along with the elasticity equation, to evaluate radial deformation in the liner. The iterative process used for the convergence of pressure in the rigid as well as in elastic case, however the present work focuses on the amount of radial deformation obtained while operating at different eccentricities. The results of radial deformation shows that increase or decrease in the amount of deformation is different for both upper and lower lobe with increase in couple stress parameter and eccentricity ratio. Further it directly influences the performance of bearing system by effecting the fluid flow zone. Hence the elasticity of the liner must be consider for better performance evaluation along with couple stress fluid. The radial deformation results of two lobe journal bearing presented in this work will lead to the better bearing designs by the bearing designers.