Effects of turbulence and bush wear on the transient tribo-dynamic characteristics of water-lubricated bearings

Abstract

This research proposes a transient mixed elastohydrodynamic model considering turbulence and bush wear, as well as the concept of contact work, to study the transient tribo-dynamic characteristics of water-lubricated bearings. The effects of turbulence, wear depth, and wear deviation angle on transient tribo-dynamic characteristics of water-lubricated bearings are investigated. The findings show that turbulence significantly affects the dynamics of stable conditions and enhances the hydrodynamic effect, but little affects the frictional contact behavior. An appropriate wear depth favors improving the tribo-dynamic characteristics of the water-lubricated bearings, but it deteriorates as the wear depth continuously increases. Negative deviation angles are better for minimizing contact work and enhancing rotor stability. The lubrication and dynamic properties of water-lubricated bearings can be enhanced through a rational approach to wear morphology design. This research is important for the optimal design and diagnosis of water-lubricated bearings wear failures.