Investigation of cavitation in a finite journal bearing considering the journal speed and couple stress fluids effects

Abstract

A theoretical analysis of the combined effect of journal speed and couple stress fluids (CSF) on the performance characteristics of a cavitated finite journal bearing (FJB) has been presented in this paper. Depending on the Elrod cavitation algorithm (ECA), the solution to the modified Reynolds equation is achieved. The bearing parameters are affected by both the journal speed and CSF. From the results obtained, it is detected that the non-Newtonian lubricants (CSF) produce enhanced in the fill-film pressure, load-capacity, as well as reduces the Sommerfield number and a small drop in the values of the bearing side leakage flow. The results obtained in this work specify that the characteristics of the bearing are affected significantly by this effect. The achieved results have been compared with that published by other works for the bearing operating with pure lubricant and showed to be in a good agreement.