Finite element analysis of multirecess hybrid spherical journal bearing system

Abstract

The present work deals with finite element method analysis of a multirecess hybrid spherical journal bearing system. The governing equations have been discretized using Galerkin’s technique and are solved simultaneously using a suitable iterative technique. The effect of span angle on the static and dynamic behavior of a hybrid spherical journal bearing compensated with membrane restrictor is investigated in the present work. Numerical results indicate that larger values of span angle provide enhanced value of minimum fluid-film thickness [Formula: see text], reduced lubricant flow requirement [Formula: see text], and higher value of frictional torque [Formula: see text]. Further, the results have been compared with a correspondingly similar capillary-compensated bearing. The comparison of numerically results demonstrates that the value of direct fluid-film stiffness coefficient [Formula: see text] could be 45.90% higher than that of correspondingly similar capillary-compensated bearing. The numerical results presented in this work may be useful as design guidelines for a recessed hybrid spherical journal bearing.