Performance analysis of textured journal bearing operating with and without nanoparticles in the lubricant

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the performance improvement of journal bearing by applying the arc-shaped textures on various regions of bearing expressly full, second half and pressure increasing regions operating with and without nanoparticles in the lubricant. Design/methodology/approach The Reynolds equation is solved numerically by using the finite element method to obtain static performance parameters such as load-carrying capacity (LCC) and coefficient of friction (COF), which are then compared with untextured bearing at eccentricity ratios of 0.2 to 0.8. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles additives are used, and viscosity variation due to the addition of additives in the base lubricant is computed for considering the range of temperatures 50 to 90°C at a weight fraction of 0.1 to 0.5% by using an experimentally validated regression model. Findings The results indicate that the maximum LCC and the lower COF are found in the pressure-increasing region. A maximum increase of 34.42% is observed in the pressure-increasing region without nanoparticles, and furthermore, with the addition of Al2O3 and CuO nanoparticles in lubricants in the same region, the LCC increased to 21 and 24%, respectively. Originality/value Designers should use optimal parameters from the present work to achieve high bearing performance.