Shape optimization of hydrodynamic textured surfaces for enhancing load-carrying capacity based on level set method

Abstract

In order to maximize the load-carrying capacity (LCC) of the textured surfaces, the level set method is introduced to conduct the shape optimization of surface textures under the cavitating hydrodynamic lubrication condition. The optimized surface texture shapes are evolved by the Hamilton-Jacobi equation based on the shape derivative obtained by the shape sensitivity analysis. In the optimization procedure, the velocity regularization method and the re-initial equations are applied to make sure a smooth evolution process. The optimization method is validated by two slider bearing optimization problems. Then the optimal surface texture shapes of a textured surface and a parallel thrust bearing are analyzed. The results show that the optimization method is stable and the optimal geometries are the chevron-type shapes.