Full Shafting-Based Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Simulation for Main Bearings of Marine Diesel Engine

Abstract

To predict and analyze accurately the lubrication characteristics and its influencing factors of main bearing for large low-speed two-stroke marine diesel engine, based on EHD lubrication model of dynamically loaded bearing, coupling simulation between EHD and MBD for main bearing of marine diesel engine was carried out. Systemic models were established separately considering the independent crankshaft of diesel engine and the full shafting of propulsion power plant. Main bearing load, peak oil film pressure, oil film pressure distribution, MOFT and orbital path in one working cycle under rated working conditions were investigated, and simulation results were compared based on both models. The results show that, if the impact of full shafting was considered, the lubrication characteristics of No.8 main bearing changed significantly, the lubrication characteristics of other main bearings were similar as the simulation results of the independent crankshaft model.