Numerical analyses of turbulent flow behavior in plain journal bearing

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the fluid flow regime and the elastic effect in a plain cylindrical journal bearing subjected to highly severe operating velocity to better predict the behavior of the bearing for the turbulent flow regime.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical analysis of the behavior of an elastohydrodynamic for cylindrical journal bearing finite dimension coated with antifriction material in turbulent regime, is implemented using the code-ANSYS CFX. This analysis is performed by solving the Navier–Stocks equations of continuity by the method of finite volume for rotational speeds ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 rpm, that is to say for different Reynolds number.

Findings

This study aims to better predict the elastic behavior in a journal bearing subjected to severe operating conditions. The speed of rotation varies from 6,000 to 15,000 rpm.

Originality/value

The results clearly show that significant pressures are applied in the extreme case of speed, that is to say to the turbulent regime. There is an emergence of new rupture zone pressure, we do not usually see the regime established; the level of the supply groove. Displacement of shaft relative to the bearing is remarkable by introducing the elastic effect and the turbulent regime.

Citation

Bendaoud, N., Kadda, M. and Youcefi, A. (2016), "Numerical analyses of turbulent flow behavior in plain journal bearing", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 68 No. 1, pp. 76-85. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-03-2015-0034