Effects of geometrical parameters on thermohydrodynamic performance of a bearing operating with nanoparticle additive oil

Abstract

Purpose Bearing performance characteristics, such as stiffness and load capacity, are related to the viscosity of the fluid circulating through the gap. Nanoparticle additives in lubricant are one way to enhance of the viscosity. This study aims to investigate the effect of nanoparticle additives on the thermohydrodynamic performance of journal bearing with different bearing parameters. Design/methodology/approach The temperature distribution is modeled using a three-dimensional energy equation. The velocity components are calculated on the pressure distribution governed by Dowson’s equation. Moreover, the heat transfer between the journal and lubricant is modeled with Fourier heat conduction equation. On the other hand, the viscosity equation is derived for Al2O3 nanoparticles as a function of the volume ratio and the temperature. An algorithm based on the finite difference method is developed, and a serial simulation is performed for different parameters and different volume ratio of nanoparticle. Findings With the increase in the nanoparticle volume ratio, the maximum temperature decreases for the lower clearance values, but the addition of the nanoparticle influence on the maximum temperature reverses when the clearance grows up. The nanoparticle additives increase further the maximum temperature for higher values of L/D ratios. Moreover, the effects of the nanoparticle additives on the pressure are stronger at high eccentricity ratios for all bearing parameters. Originality/value This paper provides valuable design parameters for journal bearing with lubricant containing the nanoparticle additives.

Investigation of nanoparticle diameter influences on performance of hydrodynamic journal bearings operating with nanolubricant

“…In literature, there are a lot of numerical solution methods to solve the governing equations. Although finite difference methods have generally been preferred in the studies, 1,3,22,26 finite element method, 19,21,23 and finite volume method 20 have also been used by some researchers. In the numerical solution, equations are solved with the finite difference method, and the successive over-relaxation method is also applied to achieve convergence.…”

“…In the fluid film lubricated bearings, the nanolubricants enhance the journal bearings' performance and change the bearing's thermal characteristics. [1][2][3][4] Conventional lubricants composed of hydrocarbon molecules, also known as Newtonian lubricants, have been extensively used in HJB. 5,6 On the other hand, using powder as an anti-wear and minimizing friction in the lubricant has been deployed in modern industry.…”

“…In the fluid film lubricated bearings, the nanolubricants enhance the journal bearings’ performance and change the bearing's thermal characteristics. 1–4…”

Analysis of melting of phase change material inserted a block via impinging turbulent slot jet

“…Other related studies can be found in papers. Dal et al (2023) examined the influence of geometric parameters on the thermohydrodynamic behavior of a bearing operating with oil containing nanoparticle additives. Nanoparticles have been used as additives in lubricants to enhance viscosity.…”