Optimal design of surface texturing parameters for improving the performance of journal bearing

Abstract

In this paper, Taguchi approach is utilized to determine the optimal design of surface texturing parameters for enhancing the multiple performance characteristics of journal bearing. Numerical runs are carried out as per Taguchi's principle with five input surface texturing related parameters such as dimple depth, major diameter, axial array, angular dimple region, axial spacing between dimples. CFD analysis is conducted by utilizing thin film lubrication flow with cavitation effect using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0. Besides the load carrying capacity (LCC) and coefficient of friction (COF) are taken as performance characteristics in this investigation. The numerical attempts were conducted with an orthogonal array of L27. It is concluded that, axial array and angular dimple region are most significant parameters to enhance the performance.