Numerical Study of Slider Bearings With Limited Corrugation

Abstract

Influence of corrugation of limited extent on the performance of fixed-incline slider bearings of infinite width is investigated numerically. Effects of the corrugated section’s parameters like its location, length, and corrugation amplitude, on pressure distribution in the bearing’s fluid film, its load supporting capacity W and flow rate, are considered. When this section is near the entrance to the bearing gap, pressure and W are reduced in comparison with the smooth wall case. As this section is located further downstream, peak pressure and W increase, whereas flow rate decreases. These effects are reinforced by longer corrugated section and larger corrugation amplitude. The results thus point to a simple way to substantially enhance a bearing’s load-supporting capacity.