Performance evaluation of rough thrust pad bearing under thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication using an improved iterative method

The asperities present on interacting surfaces of a bearing influence the film formation when the oil film becomes thinner and thinner. The aim of this article is to study the effect of stochastic roughness on bearing performance under thermo-piezoviscous and elastic condition using an average flow model. To investigate the present operating conditions, progressive mesh densification method as a fast and simple algorithm has been applied. The results obtained indicate that transverse roughness generates higher pressure compared to other orientational roughness at various film thicknesses. Maximum pressure, mass flow rate and load capacity are larger in transverse roughness compared to other orientational roughness for all values of hydrodynamic roughness parameters. A large sensitivity in load capacity for transverse orientation compared to longitudinal at higher film thickness and small film thickness ratios are witnessed. The frictional coefficient in longitudinal orientation is large compared to transverse orientation at all values of film thickness ratio and step ratios. Materials with low elastic modulus undergo large deformation, resulting in generation of two sharp pressure peaks. These results may possess good acceptability to practical applications for studying the effect of surface roughness under thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication condition