Journal Bearings Research Articles

Five-DOF nonlinear tribo-dynamic analysis for coupled bearings during start-up

The novelty of this study lies in its investigation of the transient coupling relationship between 5-Degrees-Of-Freedom (5-DOF) nonlinear dynamics and mixed lubrication behaviors of a Coupled Journal and Thrust Water-Lubricated Bearing (CJTWLB) used in rim-driven propeller during start-up. A fully coupled tribo-dynamic model is established, in which 5-DOF nonlinear dynamic behaviors interact with the mixed lubrication performance. The model incorporates nonlinear external excitations, including realistic forces and moments generated by the propeller during start-up. The present numerical model is validated using available experimental and theoretical results from existing literature. Through numerical simulation, the transient nonlinear dynamic and mixed lubrication behaviors of the CJTWLB during start-up are revealed. Results indicate that the evolution of elastic-plastic contact behaviors with acceleration time differs from that of a single journal or thrust bearing. The exciting moments, especially for the moment along the x-axis, and common boundary condition are identified as crucial factors affecting the nonlinear tribo-dynamic performances during start-up in such bearings. Additionally, an interesting finding is that an increase in rotational speed hardly improves the transient mixed lubrication performance of the journal bearing part of the CJTWLB during start-up. Finally, the results demonstrate that a higher blade number is beneficial for improving the stability of the CJTWLB.

Piezo-viscous-polar lubrication of hybrid conical journal bearing with slip boundary conditions

Various anti-wear and anti-corrosion coatings are applied on the surface of journal and bearing to maximise service life of a bearing system. These coatings influence the wettability of surfaces consequently causes velocity slip phenomena in the bearing system. This article addresses a novel investigation to examine the influences of velocity slip and PVP (Piezo-viscous-polar) lubrication on multirecessed hybrid conical journal bearing (MHCJB). For various cases of velocity slip, novel forms of Reynolds equation are derived and solved numerically by using FEM. The results reveal that velocity slip severely affects the generation of oil film pressure. Consequently, it deteriorates the bearing characteristics viz. load carrying capacity, oil flow rate and rotordynamic coefficients. Further, PVP lubricant offers substantial enhancement in bearing characteristics.

Dynamic performances of novel misaligned non-uniform distributed tilting-pad bearing

The non-uniform distributed tilting-pad journal bearings (NDTPJB) in large wind turbine main shafting has become an important development trend for high-power wind turbines due to the advantages of improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs. However, studies involving NDTPJB have not been reported under specific conditions such as low speed, wide range variable direction and magnitude of heavy-load in wind turbine. A new transient mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (mixed EHL) model for NDTPJB is established, taking into account the misalignment effect of the shaft tilt and the swinging of pads in the circumferential and axial directions, as well as the influence of pivot friction and elastic deformation effects. Based on the mathematical model, the dynamic characteristics and structural parameter effects of NDTPJB are systematically studied under low speed, wide range variable direction and magnitude of heavy-load. The results indicate that the NDTPJB exhibits a more significant sensitivity to the heavy load direction due to the different functional roles of the above distributed pads (ADP) and bottom distributed pads (BDP). The modified mixed EHL model can more accurately evaluate the lubrication performance of NDTPJB, and combine the characteristics in individual pad swing and the overall effect of the pads to comprehensively analyze the dynamic lubrication behavior of NDTPJB. By setting the pivot coefficient to 0.55, reducing the distribution angle of BDP, and increasing the distribution angle of ADP, a better load-carrying capacity can be achieved. The research results have guiding significance for further monitoring and analyzing the experimental performance of NDTPJB, as well as designing and optimizing such bearing structures.

Investigation of nanoparticle diameter influences on performance of hydrodynamic journal bearings operating with nanolubricant

The nanolubricant's effectiveness on the bearings’ performance depends on the types of nanoparticles, volume ratio, and their size and/or diameter. Although the nanolubricant influences on the characteristics of the journal bearings are well known, cost-effective solutions for using nanolubricants, have continued to need in industrial applications. Because the nanoparticle's diameter plays a key role in the fluid with nanoparticle additives, research on its effect is important for hydrodynamic journal bearing. In this work, the nanoparticle diameter impacts on the characteristics of the hydrodynamic journal bearings are investigated with under thermal effects. At first, four hydrodynamic journal bearings have different parameters such as radial clearance and bearing length–diameter ratio are considered and designed. Then, the lubricant flow through the radial clearance is modeled with Dowson's equation. Besides, the temperature field in the journal and the lubricant are governed by the heat conduction and energy equations, respectively. The physical and thermal properties of the nanolubricant are expressed by considering nanoparticle diameter and the volume ratio. Then, an algorithm is developed to solve the mathematical models based on the finite difference method. Finally, a serial simulation is conducted under different nanoparticle diameters and operational conditions. When the nanoparticle diameter becomes small, the temperature and pressure values of the nanolubricant, load capacity, and stiffness increase.

Analysis of Water-Lubricated Journal Bearings Assisted by a Small Quantity of Secondary Lubricating Medium with Navier–Stokes Equation and VOF Model

Due to the low viscosity of water, water-lubricated bearings are susceptible to significant wear and noise in demanding operating conditions. It has been demonstrated that a small quantity of secondary lubricating medium can improve the lubrication performance of water-lubricated contact surfaces and achieve the purpose of temporary risk aversion. As a further step, the feasibility of the proposed idea is experimentally validated on a water-lubricated bearing test bench. A numerical model that couples the N–S equation and the VOF model is then developed to investigate the behavior of the flow field lubricated by pure water and water with a small quantity of the secondary lubricating medium. This model provides the predictions of important quantities such as the load-carrying capacity, the secondary lubricating medium volume fraction and the contact pressure under different lubricated conditions. The results show that the secondary lubricating medium can enter into the contact region and improve the lubrication performance of water-lubricated bearings, especially at lower shaft rotational speeds. Therefore, the feasibility of our proposed idea is verified, which provides a promising approach to reduce the wear and friction of water-lubricated bearings when they encounter short-time severe working conditions.

In full swing: Analytical strategies for the conservation assessment of operating Industrial Heritage machinery

The condition assessment of Industrial Heritage machinery in operation is an open research subject of utmost importance for defining conservation and maintenance plans. The present work approaches this issue by proposing the study of Industrial Heritage machinery that includes the assessment of substrates, coatings, lubricants and operating mechanisms by applying analytical techniques currently used for heritage studies together with techniques employed in condition monitoring of modern machinery. An early 20th century steam engine from the Vale de Milhaços Gunpowder Factory (Portugal), in operation for demonstration purposes, was selected as a case study. The engine metallic alloys and coatings were studied by XRF and Raman spectroscopies, and the main properties of lubricants studied according to EN ISO and ASTM standard tests. Metallic particles present in the oil due to wear were assessed by XRF. The mechanisms were examined by gamma radiography, magnetoscopy, thermography and vibrational analysis.Data showed the use of distinct alloys according to the engine components' function similar to those reported for the same period. Green copper phthalocyanine and toluidine red identified as coatings’ pigments are typical from the late 20th century and thus ascribed to a previous repair. The properties of the fresh and used lubricants are slightly different but without evidence of a significant alteration that could endanger the machine's functioning. However, the presence of metallic particles in the oil suggested the existence of wear phenomena. The engine's operating speed (51 rpm) and the vapour temperature (≈154 °C) attained inside the cylinder were indirectly determined. The presence of cracks on the engine structure was assessed, and possible faults that can imperil the engine functioning were analysed. The vibrational analysis of equipment in operation revealed a lack of lubrication and wear on the feed pump journal bearings.

Study on the solution algorithm of Reynolds equation of self‐acting gas journal bearings based on a finite difference method

AbstractIt is very crucial to solve the Reynolds equation quickly and accurately using the numerical methods in the research field of fluid lubrication. For the static Reynolds equation of self‐acting gas journal bearings, the typical solution algorithm of the finite difference method is put forward and a new solution algorithm of the finite difference method is proposed. Secondly, the Reynolds equation is solved numerically with the same parameters and the pressure distribution of gas bearings is obtained. Finally, the numerical solution from the new solution algorithm can be obtained with less number of iterations and the less computing time under the different computational grids and bearing numbers. Therefore, the new solution algorithm of the finite difference method is superior to the typical solution algorithm of the finite difference method.

Effect of partial surface waviness on the dynamic and stability performance of journal bearing

AbstractThis study presents the impact of full and partial surface waviness on the dynamic and stability performance of the journal bearing. The Reynolds equation is modified to account for the impact of surface waviness, and the lubricant domain is discretized using the Finite element method to obtain dynamic characteristics such as stiffness and damping coefficients and stability parameters, that is, threshold speed. Different wave numbers in the axial, circumferential and mixed directions are considered at variable wave amplitudes in different regions at an average eccentricity ratio of 0.6 to obtain the optimum values. The obtained results reveal that by application of waviness in the full region and partial waviness in the pressure‐reducing region on the bearing surface provides the enhanced value of stability parameter, fluid film stiffness and dynamic coefficients as compared to the simple journal bearing under the same working conditions.

Hydrodynamic lubrication behavior under miscellaneous operational conditions via CGB numerical model

The current study is basically focused on investigating the possible ways to enhance the lubricating oil film performance and hence ship energy efficiency of marine journal bearings in general terms. For the intended purpose, a novel numerical Circumferential Grooved Bearing (CGB) model was developed to assess journal bearing operating conditions based on versatile simulation analyses. Prior to all conducted test trials, the model validation has been confirmed based on the conformity between numerical outcomes and those derived from experimental procedures depending on Universal Journal Bearing Test Rig. CGB performance was evaluated at slow speed variations from 25 rpm up to 125 rpm and different applied loads utilizing the two lubricant oil grades of 5W40 and 0W30. Reducing shaft rotational speed by 80% was found to incur a reduction in the maximum oil film pressure value by 1.17 bar and 0.97 bar for the two aforementioned lubricants respectively. Further, the increase of applied loads from 1079 N up to 1471 N at a constant speed of 75 rpm reduces the maximum oil film pressure ratio by 0.14 and 0.18 for the two oil grades subsequently.

A Review of Tribological Performance of Jatropha Instead of Synthetic Oils Using Journal Bearing Tester

A Review of Tribological Performance of Jatropha Instead of Synthetic Oils Using Journal Bearing Tester

Dynamic analysis and experimental verification of flexible unbalance rotor supported by two identical journal bearings

Dynamic analysis and experimental verification of flexible unbalance rotor supported by two identical journal bearings

Mathematical Model and Theoretical Investigation of the Performance of Journal Bearing using a discretized Reynolds Lubrication Equation with Finite Width

Hydrodynamic journal bearings are widely used for a large number of applications such as rotating turbo machinery, axial flow compressors, axial flow turbines, and internal combustion engines. These types of journals are used to support high loads high speed rotating turbo machinery elements mainly shafts and attached components and also for enhancing the quality of these machines. In this work, the importance of journal bearing and an overview of the Reynolds hydrodynamic equation in three dimensions have been studied using the Boundary Value finite-difference method. The second-order nonlinear partial differential equation has been solved using numerical iterations approach with MATLAB software. The numerical solution of the transient Reynolds equation has been studied to investigate the Pressure distribution, pressure gradient as well film lubricant thickness on journal bearings. A numerical solution using ANSYS FLUENT has been applied to investigate the main parameters that have the main influence on the performance of the journal bearing and bearing performance.

Numerical Modeling and Simulation of a Poroelastic Journal Bearing Lubricated By Nanofluids with Couple-Stresses

In this paper we present a numerical simulation of a porous journal bearing considering the fluid film – poroelastic matrix interaction and the non-Newtonian rheological behavior of nanolubricant consisting of base fluid and nanoparticles (NPs). The flow of nanolubricant in the bearing clearance space is described by the Vijay Kumar Stokes micro-continuum theory which considers the characteristic size of nanoparticles such as fullerenes dispersed in a base oil. The flow of the nanolubricant in the porous medium is modeled by the modified Darcy’s law where the Beavers–Joseph slip conditions are applied at the fluid film-porous matrix interface. The deformation of the fluid-film porous matrix interface due to hydrodynamic pressure is calculated by using a simplified analytical thin elastic liner model. The hydrodynamic behavior of lubricating film is governed by the modified Reynolds equation obtained from the momentum, moment of momentum, and mass conservation laws using the classical Reynolds derivation process. The bearing porosity is introduced into the governing modified Reynolds equation by means of the Morgan-Cameron approximation. The steady-state analysis shows that for an imposed operating eccentricity, the load capacity increases with the characteristic size and the concentration of NPs while the attitude angle, the leakage flow rate, and the coefficient of friction decrease. On the other hand, the permeability decreases the hydrodynamic pressure, the load capacity, and the leakage flow rate, and increases the attitude angle and the coefficient of friction.

Stability analysis of partial journal bearings lubricated with micropolar fluid

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the stability performance of partial journal bearings of 120° and 180° partial angles with micropolar lubricant.Design/methodology/approachTo investigate the stability characteristics of partial journal bearing, a MATLAB source code is written. To solve the Reynolds’ equation, the finite element method is used. Stability performances of 120° and 180° partial journal bearings are computed for a wide range of non-dimensional micropolar fluid parameters and working eccentricities.FindingsThe presented results provide design data for stability parameters in terms of equivalent stiffness, whirl frequency ratio, critical mass and threshold speed of the rotor with respect to eccentricities and material size of the lubricant. The stability of 180° partial journal bearing is found to be higher than 120° partial journal bearing.Originality/valueIn open literature, it is rare to find the stability of a partial journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid. Very few researchers have studied the combined effect of eccentricities and micropolar lubricant parameters on the dynamic performance of such bearings. Hence, it is important to study the dynamic stability to explore the complete investigation of the performance of partial journal bearings with micropolar fluid.

Tilting Pad Journal Bearing Computational Fluid Dynamic Parametric Modeling for New Energy Transition Challenges

Abstract The necessity of increasing the efficiency and reducing the carbon foot-print of machines is pushing centrifugal compressor bearings design to higher and higher peripheral speed and lower oil consumptions especially in the new energy transition fields, resulting in an increase in the bearing temperatures. Therefore, the bearing thermal management starts to play a major role in extending the machine operability and reducing the maintenance frequency. A full three-dimensional (3D) parametric conjugate heat transfer computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model for tilting pad journal bearings (TPJBs) is introduced in this paper to address the temperature aspects of oil-film bearings. The parametric geometry of the model and the automatic mesh update, allow the equilibrium position search to be obtained without adopting any dynamic mesh algorithms. The tilting pad and rotating shaft equilibrium position are automatically calculated with a Newton–Raphson algorithm. The static performance of the TPJB is investigated for different journal diameters, bearing clearance, and operating conditions. The numerical results obtained are compared with experimental data from compressor mechanical running tests to demonstrate the reliability of the model presented. The 3D distributions of the oil pressure, velocity, and temperature given by the CFD model, can be locally optimized to face the new energy transition challenges.

A critical review of the effect of nano-lubricant on the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearing

The applications of nano-lubricants in journal bearing are found to be capable of improving load-carrying capacity and reducing friction. Many numerical and experimental investigations have been performed to find the effect of nano-lubricants on the performance of the journal bearing. In this paper, a state-of-the-art review is done of the articles of numerical and experimental assessments of the effect of nano-lubricants on the performance of journal bearings. Here research articles are classified on the basis of nanoparticles used as nano-additive, which are further classified in the category of numerical and experimental study. It is seen that the application of nano TiO2, CuO and Al2O3 based nano-lubricants gives much higher load-carrying capacity than the base lubricants. This article concludes by discussing the effect of different nanoparticle-based nano-lubricants on the performance characteristics of the journal bearing and mathematical models used for numerical investigations.

Effect of textured parameters on tribological properties of hydrodynamic journal bearing

PurposeThis study aims to improve the tribological properties of hydrodynamic journal bearing via surface texture, as well as the wear and antifriction mechanisms of textured bearing were represented. It provides a design direction for solving the tribological problem of rotor-bearing system.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the variation of surface texture parameters (e.g. texture diameter, d; area density, sp; and depth, hp) were analyzed based on finite difference method. The optimal surface texture parameters were obtained by designing orthogonal experiments, and the relationship between friction and wear properties and microstructure was studied via combining electron probe microanalyzer, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and friction and wear testing machine.FindingsDimensionless film pressure P increased as the d increased, whereas P first increased and then decreased as the sp and hp increased, and the maximum P was got as sp = 15% and hp = 25 µm, respectively. The friction coefficient of textured surface with suitable parameters was effectively reduced and the textured surface with the best antifriction effect was 5#. Orthogonal experimental design analysis showed that the influence order of factors on friction coefficient was as follows: sp > sp × d > d > d × hp > hp > sp × hp and the friction coefficient first decreased and then increased as the sp, d and hp increased. In addition, the friction and wear mechanism of textured bearing were three body friction and abrasive wear as the matrix structure and hard phase were a single β phase and Mn5Si3, respectively. While the antifriction mechanism of textured surface was able to store abrasive particles and secondary hydrodynamic lubrication was formed.Originality/valueThe sample with reasonable texture parameter design can effectively reduce friction and wear of hydrodynamic journal bearing without reducing the service life, which can provide a reference for improving the lubrication performance and mechanical efficiency of rotor-bearing system.

A second-order in time and space model to solve the coupled Reynolds–Rayleigh–Plesset equations for the dynamics of cavitated hydrodynamic journal bearings

Cavitation in hydrodynamic bearings is a fundamental factor in the behavior of the fluid film and in the equilibrium position the journal will have after the application of external loads. The calculation of these parameters by robust tools is an active research topic even though accuracy, stability and conservativeness are not so often discussed. This work shows the results obtained through the implementation of a novel model developed from first principles that allows characterizing the pressure field of a liquid–gas lubricant mixture avoiding the reported instabilities with the time derivative of the mixture density. The formulation also relies on a coupled transport equation describing the evolution of the liquid fraction, ensuring mass conservation. This model is applied to study cases with gaseous, vaporous or pseudo-cavitation through the use of the Rayleigh–Plesset equation to characterize the physical behavior of the bubbles formed taking into account the characteristic time of each phenomenon. High resolution schemes are used for the spatial treatment of the advection and a temporal discretization based on the Strang splitting method which allows for a second order convergence in space and time. The numerical results obtained are contrasted and discussed with experimental data found for static and dynamic bearings for the three types of cavitation mentioned, obtaining a very good agreement.

Analysis and Optimization of Nanolubricated Journal Bearing under Thermoelasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication Considering Cavitation Effect

This work deals with the effect of the cavitation and the elastic deformation on the steady-state thermal performance of plain journal bearing using CFD-FSI technique. As a case study, a bearing lubricated with SAE40W oil dispersed with TiO2 nanoparticles was extensively analyzed. The hydrodynamic pressure, oil film temperature, and the other bearing parameters have been calculated. The nanoparticles volume fractions, journal speeds, and eccentricity ratios have been considered. Krieger Dougherty model was implemented with the Vogel- Barus exponential viscosity to include the effects of the oil temperature and TiO2 nanoparticles volume fraction on the lubricant viscosity. The cavitation effect was implemented using Zwart-Gerber-Belamari model. The optimum journal position, the attitude angle, and the load have been obtained using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm. The mathematical model was successfully verified with the pressure and the total deformation published by Dhande with 4% and 2% deviation between the results respectively. The film temperature of the present work was compared to that obtained numerically by Li et al and experimentally by Ferron and Boncompain with 2% maximum deviation between the results. An enhancement in the load-carrying capacity of the bearing with a little growth in oil film temperature were obtained when using TiO2 nano lubricant.

Nonlinear tribo-dynamic performance and transient stability for marine dynamically loaded offset-halves journal bearings

Although offset-halves journal bearings (OHJBs) are extensively utilized in the marine powertrain, there is little research on nonlinear dynamic response and transient stability, particularly under conditions involving both thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic (TEHD) effects and sudden loads. To overcome such deficiency, a novel transient tribo-dynamic model and a modified stability criterion are developed. The influences of model parameters such as TEHD effects, load amplitude, offset coefficient, and varying lubricants on transient responses are studied. In addition, the evolution mechanisms of two typical lubricants on the transient stability of OHJBs are revealed. The results show that the model parameters have a significant impact on the nonlinear tribo-dynamic performance and transient stability of OHJBs. This study enriches theoretical foundations for the optimum bearing design.