Thin Film Modelling for Aero-Engine Bearing Chambers

Abstract

This paper presents a dynamic mathematical model describing the thin film flow in aero-engine bearing chamber. By analyzing the depth averaged continuity equation and momentum equation term by term, the comprehensive physical mechanisms driving thin film flow are revealed. The terms that require extra modeling work are then identified. As a useful first approach, a thin film model based on presumed quadratic velocity profile is adopted. A preliminary study shows that this model can include the main film flow features in aero-engine bearing chamber, whilst maintain simple formulation and work efficiently. Finally, a converging computational strategy is obtained towards the numerical simulation of engine bearing chamber.