Sensitivity analysis and optimization on oil capture performance of under-race lubrication system for high-speed bearings

Abstract

Under-race lubrication for high-speed bearings in aero-engines has become more important recently following the ambition of reducing the size and weight of mechanical systems while maintaining or improving power. This paper presents experimental research on the oil capture performance of an under-race lubrication system. The results reveal a strong non-linear relationship between the oil capture performance and design parameters. Jet angle and rotational speed markedly impact the oil capture efficiency, while the orifice diameter is the biggest contributor to determining the captured lubricant oil. With a focus on ensuring a quantitative oil supply to the bearings, the optimized oil capture efficiency is more than 80%, with most of the improvements exceeding 10% compared to the original results.