Thermohydrodynamic analysis of a journal bearing with a microgroove on the shaft

In this study, thermohydrodynamic performance of a journal bearing with a microgroove created on the shaft is analysed. A plain journal bearing is modelled using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package. Navier-Stokes and energy equations are solved. The rotor-stator interaction is treated by using a computational grid deformation technique. Results are presented in terms of typical bearing parameters as well as flow patterns. Results are also compared to the bearing with a smooth shaft. The effect induced by a microgroove on pressure distribution is explained for different bearing configurations, eccentricities and microgroove depths. It is shown that the microgroove produces a local drop in pressure which, averaged over one revolution, decreases the load carrying capacity. The load carrying capacity is further decreased by using deeper microgrooves. With thermal effects considered, the microgroove carries more cold lubricant into the warmest regions of the bearing. This effect, more pronounced with deeper microgrooves, is due to a global flow recirculation inside the microgroove, which improve mixingGodkänd; 2011; 20111113 (cervante