Static performance characteristics of hybrid journal bearings with plugged entry holes

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effect of plugging of holes on the static performance characteristics of a constant flow valve compensated hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system operating with Newtonian and non‐Newtonian lubricants. The analysis considers the generalized Reynolds equation governing the flow of lubricant having variable viscosity in the clearance space and equation of flow of lubricant through constant flow valve restrictor. The non‐Newtonian lubricant is assumed to follow the power law. The performance characteristics are computed for the two values of power law index (n=1.0 and 0.566). The computed results indicate that the blockage of holes during operation will not be the likely causes for the imminent failure of a well‐designed non‐recessed hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing.Design/methodology/approachFinite element method has been used to solve generalized Reynolds equation governing the flow of lubricant having variable viscosity in the clearance space and equation of flow of lubricant through constant flow valve restrictor.FindingsThe computed results indicate that the blockage of holes during operation will not be the likely causes for the imminent failure of a well‐designed non‐recessed hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing. The bearing configuration with plugged holes provides sufficient fluid film thickness and low power requirement as less lubricant is required to be pumped in the bearing.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge, no study which considers the influence of plugging of holes on the static performance characteristics of a constant flow valve compensated hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system operating with Newtonian and non‐Newtonian lubricant is yet available in the literature.