Reviewing experimental and theoretical efforts and key findings regarding hydrodynamic journal bearing geometry

Abstract

Abstract Journal bearing operation particularly in regard to marine applications is significantly affected by the performance of the most critical operational factors. Specifically, the lubricating oil film within journal bearing is so often than not subject to hazardous deterioration and ultimate failure in real operating conditions. Considering such fact, the current study is intended to carry out a literature survey regarding the efforts towards enhanced journal bearing performance based on proper selection of geometrical design for journal bearing. The aggregated data were thoroughly analyzed and assessed utilizing experimental, theoretical as well as numerical means. The outcomes derived from the conducted review represent firm grounds for carrying out extensive modifications into journal bearing design for marine applications. Further, such data will possibly be employed in future research investigations to extend the capability of journal bearing and its functions to attain the most possible enhanced performance in actual operating conditions. Apparently, the vast majority of both experimental and theoretical studies into journal bearing geometrical designs for enhanced performance, 66 in all, have been focused on surface texture accounting for 26.67 % (29 research studies) and 32.43 % (33 research studies) of the total investigations under study respectively. Regarding the experimental studies, realizing promoted performance of lubricating oil film by working on pressure profile has evidently obtained the largest contribution representing 35.5% of the overall bulk of the reviewed efforts, Figure 6.