Static thermal performance evaluation of elliptical journal bearings with nanolubricants

Abstract

Journal bearings of different configurations have been extensively used in turbomachinery and power generating equipments. Although circular bearings have simplest configuration and commonly used journal bearings, non-circular bearings such as multi-lobe and elliptical bearings have an added advantage of lower lubrication film temperature alongwith stable operation. In this study, static thermal performance of pure elliptical bearing lubricated with nanoparticles based mineral oils has been studied at different eccentricity ratios and bearing speeds. Two types of nanoparticles, namely, CuO and TiO2 with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 wt.% concentrations have been separately added in three different viscosity grades of oils. The effect of nanoparticles on thermo-physical properties of oil was considered to compute bearing performance parameters (pressure distribution, load capacity, oil temperature and power losses). Bearing model was generated by taking into account the modified Krieger Dougherty method to determine viscosity at different combinations of oils and nanoparticles. The findings indicate the increase in maximum pressure and load capacity with addition of nanoparticles and this increase was more pronounced at higher concentrations of nanoparticles and at higher viscosity grade oils. Load capacity was found to be increased by 14.24% and 9.21% with 2 wt% concentration of TiO2 and CuO nanoparticles respectively in base oil (AW68) at eccentricity ratio of 0.7. An increase in load capacity with nanolubricants was achieved without an appreciable increase in oil temperature.