A study of misaligned hole‐entry worn journal bearing operating in turbulent regime

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study theoretically the combined influence of journal misalignment and wear on the performance of a hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system. The bearing is assumed to be operating in a turbulent regime.

Design/methodology/approach

The modified Reynolds equation based on Constantinescu lubrication theory has been solved by using finite element method together with orifice and capillary restrictors flow equations as a constrain together with appropriate boundary conditions.

Findings

It has been observed that for a symmetric hole‐entry journal bearing configuration the value of h¯_min is more for the bearing compensated by orifice restrictor as compared to capillary restrictor when bearing operates in turbulent regime under worn/unworn conditions. From the point of view of stability threshold speed ω¯_th, the reduction in the value of ω¯_th for capillary compensated bearing is around −3.89 percent whereas for orifice compensated bearing it is −7.85 percent when misaligned worn bearing is operating in turbulent regime.

Originality/value

The present work is original of its kind, in case of misaligned hole‐entry worn journal bearing. The results are quite useful for the bearing designer.

Citation

Ram, N. and Sharma, S. (2013), "A study of misaligned hole‐entry worn journal bearing operating in turbulent regime", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 65 No. 2, pp. 108-118. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368791311303474