Effect of groove shape on the hydrodynamic lubrication of journal bearing considering cavitation

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of groove shape on the hydrodynamic characteristics of a journal bearing. Design/methodology/approach The computational fluid dynamics model also takes into account the cavitation phenomena and thermal effect, which can illustrate the lubrication performance of a journal bearing. Findings The hydrodynamic simulations of the journal bearing with the different groove shapes are conducted under different operation conditions. Originality/value Based on the numerical analysis, the suggestions are presented for groove shape selection and can be used to the design of a journal bearing under the extreme operation condition.