The Effect of Wavy Groove Liner on Pressure Distribution of Journal Bearing

Abstract

The ability of bearing liner to maintain the fluid film lubrication is crucial to its performance. This study is to investigate the pressure distribution for full film lubrication of wavy bearing liner. The results were compared to that from smooth bearing liner. These bearings were used with the palm oil based lubricant. CFD analysis was developed to determine the numerical data. A 60 mm bearing with ratio 0.5 of its diameter to length is simulated. This bearing has 250 µm in clearance and 200 µm in amplitude with semi rectangular circumferential surface waviness liner in shape. Pressure distribution of the bearing was influenced by the increment of the eccentricity ratio and the speed of shaft. The surface waviness liner bearing produces higher in pressure by comparing it with the smooth bearing. The maximum pressure was noted in the vicinity of minimum fluid film thickness where it was distributed at the area around the peak of wave.