A Finite Element Cavitation Algorithm: Application/Validation

Abstract

A mass-conserving simulation algorithm for cavitating hydrodynamic lubrication has been described elsewhere. The algorithm, which is particularly well adapted to finite element implementation, is outlined qualitatively and demonstrated quantitatively through bearing applications studied experimentally by others. Present simulation results and previous experimental data agree relatively closely for these applications, providing limited validations of the algorithm and suggesting new lines of investigation.