Wear Detection and Correction of Magnetorheological Fluid Journal Bearings

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The current paper discusses the use of magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) for the lubrication of journal bearings as an effective solution for controlling performance-wise a variety of rotor bearing systems applying an external magnetic field. To account for the magnetic flux production in the lubricating layer, a 2D axisymmetric magnetostatic model is developed while the static performance metrics of the journal bearing are assessed via a 3D CFD analysis modeling the MR fluid as a Bingham plastic, the rheological parameters of which depend on magnetic field intensity. Moreover, is concluded that MRFs have a wear compensatory feature, increasing the minimum lubricant thickness to a degree that completely compensates possible wear, filling the worn region with high viscosity lubricant.