Investigation of the lubrication performance of a marine diesel engine crankshaft using a thermo-electrohydrodynamic model

Abstract

Abstract This study outlines the development of a three-dimensional model for the crankshaft-bearing and a multi-body dynamics model for a four-stroke marine diesel engine. The models are constructed through a simulation approach that integrates the finite element method and multi-body dynamics method. Additionally, the Greenwood/Tripp asperity contact theory and average flow model are incorporated. The investigation also delves into the dynamic coupling between the crankshaft-bearing multi-body system and the mixed lubrication effects, accounting for lubricating oil as a thermo-electrohydrodynamic model and the journal as an elastomer. The study meticulously examines the lubrication characteristics of main bearings in marine diesel engines during normal operational conditions and scrutinizes the impact of various parameters on crankshaft-bearings. The study concludes by offering recommendations and technical support for innovative optimization design and model enhancement of diesel engine crankshaft-bearings.