An Analytical Solution for the Thermal Characteristics of Journal Bearings

Abstract

An analytical solution for the full thermal field in a journal bearing under isoviscous conditions is presented. The results are for adiabatic bearing surfaces and for isothermal bearing surfaces, with isothermal shaft in all cases. The effects of convection and of dissipation in the film are governed by a single dimensionless parameter, Pe = ρcpωc2/k, under the assumption that pressure gradient effects do not influence the thermal field. Results for bulk temperature, heat transfer to bearing surfaces, and for temperature profiles across the film are presented. For small values of Pe, the thermal field is fully-developed, while for large values, dissipation dominates the temperature field and is the primary heat transfer source.