Stochastic dynamic behaviour of hydrodynamic journal bearings including the effect of surface roughness

This paper investigates the stochastic behaviour of hydrodynamic journal bearings by solving the Reynolds equation with random parameters numerically based on finite difference method. The steady state and dynamic characteristics are quantified considering random variabilities in eccentricity and surface roughness that can closely simulate the uncertain service conditions and inevitable manufacturing imperfections. Based on efficient radial basis function, a Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) algorithm is developed in conjunction with the governing equations for quantifying stochastic characteristics of the crucial performance parameters concerning hydrodynamic bearings. Relative sensitivity to stochasticity for different performance parameters is analysed. Physically insightful new results are presented in a probabilistic framework, wherein it is observed that the stochasticity has pronounced influence on the performance of bearing.