Study on time-varying mixed lubrication performance of microgroove journal-thrust coupled bearing under water lubrication

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to numerically investigate the time-varying mixed lubrication performance of microgroove journal-thrust coupled bearing (MJTCB) under nonlinear excitation. Design/methodology/approach A three degree of freedom (3-DOF) dynamic model of the rotor coupling with the transient mixed lubrication behavior is established. Based on numerical predictions, the role of the microgroove on the time-varying mixed lubrication performance of MJTCB is identified. The effects of the microgroove depth, microgroove shape and external load on the time-varying mixed lubrication performance of MJTCB are also studied. Findings Numerical results show that the effect of the coupling hydrodynamic on the time-varying mixed lubrication performance of the coupled bearing is strengthen with the increasing of microgroove depth. Furthermore, it is found that the optimal microgroove shape for the thrust bearing, arc or rectangle, highly depends on the microgroove depth. Finally, the contact performance of the thrust bearing is slightly affected by the radial external load. Originality/value This study is expected to achieve a better understanding of the time-varying mixed lubrication performance of MJTCB under nonlinear excitations.