Virtual texturing of lightweight engine crankshaft bearings

Abstract

This paper aims to numerically study the effects of surface texturing on reducing the power loss and lift increasing in lightweight crankshaft bearings. A computer program was developed to study the behavior of a dynamically loaded engine crankshaft bearing taking into account roughness effects and surface texturing using dimples. We compare results using the Patir and Cheng modified Reynolds equation and the so-called p- θ model proposed by Elrod and Adams. In addition, the JFO mass-conserving model is considered to deal with cavitation. The finite difference method is used to approximate the Patir–Cheng Reynolds equation. Simulations were performed for the main bearing of the lightweight crankshaft, considering different surface texture designs in terms of location, depth and radius of dimples. Some texture designs lower the hydrodynamic fluid pressure peaks by 4.8%, consequently providing additional lift. Lastly, a comparison between the lightweight and regular crankshaft bearings is also considered. The total dissipated power was reduced by 3.6% for the textured lightweight crankshaft bearing.