Comparison of dynamic models, cavitation procedures and numerical methods for the analysis of lubricated engine journal bearings

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to compare different dynamical models, cavitation procedures and numerical methods to simulate hydrodynamic lubricated bearings of internal combustion engines. Design/methodology/approach Two dynamical models are considered for the main bearing of combustion engines. The first is a fluid-structure interaction multi-body dynamics coupled with lubricated bearings, where the equilibrium and Reynolds equations are solved together. The second model finds the equilibrium position of the bearing subjected to previously calculated dynamical loads. The Traditional p-? procedure and Giacopini’s model described in Giacopini et al. (2010) are adopted for cavitation purposes. The influence of the finite difference and finite element numerical methods is investigated. Findings Simulations were carried out considering small-, mid- and large-sized engines and the dynamical models differed mainly in predicting the journal orbits. Finite element method with Giacopini’s cavitation model had improved numeric stability for the three engines. Research limitations/implications The dynamic models do not consider the flexibility of the components of the main mechanism of combustion engines which may overestimate the oil pressure and journal orbits. Practical implications It can help researchers and engineers to decide which combination of methods is best suited for their needs and the implications associated with each one. Social implications The used methods may help engineers to design better and more efficient combustion engines. Originality/value This paper helps practitioners to understand the effects of different methods on the results. Additionally, depending on the engine, one approach can be more effective than the other.