Investigating the effect of different slip zone locations on the lubrication performance of textured journal bearings

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to purpose the suitable location of slip boundary condition and microscale surface textures to enhance the tribological performance of the hydrodynamic journal bearings. Design/methodology/approach Mass conserving Elrod cavitation algorithm with considering slip boundary condition has been used for predicting the static performance characteristics (load carrying capacity, coefficient of friction and volumetric inflow rate) of finite cylindrical shape textured journal bearings. Findings It has been observed that the full textured bearing with slip boundary condition in between 0°–180° circumferential region gives a significant reduction in the lubricant rupture zone. However, the introduction of textures up to the interface of slip and the no-slip region is increasing the load-carrying capacity and reduces the shear stress. This reduction in shear stress with combined slip and surface textures is effective in increasing the volumetric inflow rate of the lubricant. Practical implications The combined effect of slip boundary condition and surface texturing is increasing the scope of liquid lubricants in hydrodynamic journal bearings and further contributing toward the development of small-scale rotating machines. Originality/value The study related to the use of mass conserving Elrod cavitation algorithm for finding the optimum location of slip and surface texture zones has been found rare in the literature. Previous studies show that the mass conserving Elrod cavitation algorithm gives realistic results for textured bearings and its findings show good agreement with the experimental observations.