Numerical investigation on the influence of surface texture on the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearing

TLDR: In this article, the influence of different forms of surface texture on finite journal bearing has been investigated in the form of negative texture (micro cavities) at different locations of bearing surface.

Abstract: Many researchers have adopted various techniques for improving the performance characteristics of journal bearing. Apart from other parameters, incorporation of different forms of surface texture (sinusoidal, dimple, spherical etc.) on bearing or shaft also helps to increase the load carrying capacity and reduce the friction coefficient etc. in the journal bearing. Present study investigates the influence of different forms of surface texture on finite journal bearing which has been considered in the form of negative texture (micro cavities) at different locations of bearing surface. The Governing equations are solved numerically through finite difference approach for analysis of texture effects on bearing characteristics. It has been observed that the presence of micro cavities at different locations of bearing surface help in enhancing the bearing performance. It has also been found that the negative half wave texture enhances the bearing performance more in comparison to full wave texture on bearing surface.