Non-linear stability analysis of micropolar fluid lubricated journal bearings with turbulent effect

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of turbulence on the stability characteristics of finite hydrodynamic journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid. Design/methodology/approach The non-dimensional transient Reynolds equation has been solved to obtain the non-dimensional pressure field which in turn used to obtain the load carrying capacity of the bearing. The second-order equations of motion applicable for journal bearing system have been solved using fourth-order Runge–Kutta method to obtain the stability characteristics. Findings It has been observed that turbulence has adverse effect on stability and the whirl ratio at laminar flow condition has the lowest value. Practical implications The paper provides the stability characteristics of the finite journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid operating in turbulent regime which is very common in practical applications. Originality/value Non-linear stability analysis of micropolar fluid lubricated journal bearing operating in turbulent regime has not been reported in literatures so far. This paper is an effort to address the problem of non-linear stability of journal bearings under micropolar lubrication with turbulent effect. The results obtained provide useful information for designing the journal bearing system for high speed applications.