Optimization lubrication performance of journal bearings with microtexture

Abstract

Purpose

Researchers have not reached an agreement on which biomimetic shape has the best lubrication performance. This paper aims to study the influence of microtexture size, shape and direction on bearing capacity, end leakage, friction coefficient and wear of oil film.

Design/methodology/approach

Different oil film thickness equations considering the microtexture of bearing surface are gained. The two-dimensional finite difference equation and the calculation equation of wear are established.

Findings

The theoretical research shows that the wear value and the wear ratio when long side is perpendicular to the axial direction of the bearing are generally lower than when the long axis is parallel to the axial direction of bearing. The theoretical and experimental results show that the appropriate microtexture shape, such as circular dimple, crescent-shaped dimple, triangular dimple and fish-shaped dimple can improve effectively the lubrication performance of journal bearing and reduce the friction coefficient.

Originality/value

The research has great significance to reduce friction and improve the wear resistance of equipment.

Citation

Wang, L., Zhang, W., Zhao, X. and Ge, X. (2022), "Optimization lubrication performance of journal bearings with microtexture", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 74 No. 6, pp. 619-628. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-08-2021-0297