Journal Press India^®

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The present work aims to analytically study the clearance effect on hydrodynamic journal bearing system’s static performance. The mathematical model of hydrodynamic lubrication i.e. the non-dimensional Reynolds equation is solved with the help of FEM formulation using Garlerkin’s approach along with appropriate boundary conditions. A positive pressure zone, which is unknown priori is established using Reynolds boundary condition through iteratively. The study uses a non-dimensional clearance parameter and its influence on fluid-film pressure and static performance parameters of hydrodynamic journal bearing is studied. The static performance parameters include maximum pressure, load carrying capacity, attitude angle, and coefficient of fluid-film friction etc. The simulated results indicate that the low value of clearance is often a better option which however is limited by surface asperities. The results of the study are useful to the bearing designer from the view point of optimal selection of clearance parameter on the bases of maximizing bearing load and minimizing friction force.

Keywords

Hydrodynamic Journal Bearing; Static Characteristics; Finite Element Method (FEM).

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