Investigation of the combined influence of turbulence and thermal effects on the performance of water-lubricated hybrid bearings with circumferential grooves and stepped recesses

Abstract

Hybrid bearings have been used in high-speed machine tools due to their inherent advantages of low temperature rise, high load-carrying capacity, and high stability. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of turbulence and thermal effects on the performance of water-lubricated hybrid bearings with circumferential grooves and stepped recesses used to support high-speed spindles. The governing equations are solved using the finite element method with appropriate boundary conditions. A bulk-flow thermohydrodynamic model has been developed incorporating the turbulence effect. The results indicate that the turbulence effect appreciably affects the bearing performance. Besides, the thermal effect should also be taken into account especially when the rotating speed is high. The study gives a useful guide for the future hybrid bearing design and operation of high-speed spindles supported by water-lubricated hybrid bearings.