Analysis of Fluid Film Lubrication of an MHD Journal Bearing Subjected to an Axially Applied External Magnetic Field

Abstract

This work simulates the steady-state flow field in a magnetohydrodynamic journal bearing. A uniform magnetic field is applied in the axial direction across the bearing. Current results indicate that a crescent-shape secondary flow will develop at E = 0.8. The velocity profiles at the location of the minimum and maximum film thickness are almost independent of the strength of the external magnetic field unless the eccentricity ratio is relatively small and magnetic field is strong. There exists an eccentric dependent threshold Ha beyond which the shear stress on the journal increases with Ha while that on the bearing decreases.