Steady State Performance Prediction Of Directly Lubricated Fluid Film Journal Bearings

Abstract

Predicting the performance of directly lubricated bearings is a challenge facing bearing manufacturers and end users alike. In this study, thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) theories are applied to analyze three directly lubricated bearings that have been experimentally investigated by the Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University, including two inlet groove bearings and one spray bar bearing. The main aspects of the TEHD models are presented, including an extensive discussion on groove mixing. Comparisons are made between the theoretical and experimental results for the pad temperatures and shaft centerline locations. The results, which show generally good agreement, indicate that the TEHD theories are capable of predicting the steady state performance of these directly lubricated bearings with reasonable accuracy. Limitations of the simple groove mixing model and the elastic model were also identified.