Impact of surface waviness on the static performance of journal bearing with CuO and CeO₂ nanoparticles in the lubricant

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of surface waviness on the static performance parameters of hydrodynamic journal bearings operating with lubricants containing copper oxide (CuO) and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles. Design/methodology/approach The static performance parameters of bearings with surface waviness and the addition of nanoparticles in lubricants were calculated using the nondimensional form of Reynolds equation and finite element method. Static performance parameters are calculated at different waviness numbers in the circumferential, axial and both directions at various wave amplitudes with variable viscosities of lubricants with nanoparticles using the viscosity equation forming a relationship between the relative viscosity, temperature and weight fraction of nanoparticles in lubricant developed from the experimental results. Findings The computed results indicate that the impact of waviness on the bearing surface enhances the load capacity, reduces friction coefficient, and is more effective in the circumferential direction than in the axial direction or in both directions. The addition of CuO and CeO2 to the lubricant enhanced its viscosity which further improved the steady-state parameters of the wave bearing. Research limitations/implications This study is based on a numerical technique, which has significant limitations, and the simulated results must be tested experimentally. Practical implications The current findings will be beneficial for designers to improve the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearings. Originality/value The calculated results demonstrate that the combined effect of the surface waviness on bearings and the addition of nanoparticles to lubricants can greatly increase the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearings.

Effect of partial surface waviness on the dynamic and stability performance of journal bearing

“…Thus, the chances of metal‐to‐metal contact reduce in these regions thereby enhancing the journal‐bearing dynamic and stability performance with waviness in the circumferential direction in full region and pressure‐reducing region. Further, as we increase the circumferential wave number, the bearing with surface waviness behaves like a plain/smooth bearing because as we increase the number of waves, the crust and trough formed on the bearing surface have a very close gap distance 23 . Also, the lubricant flowing in between the crest and trough of waves in a circumferential direction act as a reservoir in the clearance space of the bearing system and further, these reservoirs entrap wear debris/foreign particles and prevent damage to the surface as wear debris may abrade the rest of bearing surface 43 …”

“…Yang et al 22 observed the dynamic behaviour of the wave bearing using the finite difference method and Reynolds equation and revealed that waviness influences the bearing stability. Bangotra and Sharma 23,24 reported that the surface waviness and the use of lubricant additives and the partial surface waviness enhance the static performance of journal bearings.…”

Elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication analysis of a porous misaligned crankshaft bearing operating with nanolubricants

“…The experimental results revealed an increase in maximum pressure and load carrying capacity of the journal bearing by adding NPs to the base oil especially for the higher volume fraction of NPs. Bangotra and Sharma [30] investigated the impact of surface waviness on the static performance parameters of hydrodynamic journal bearings operating with lubricants containing copper oxide (Cu0) and cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) NPs. The static performance parameters were calculated for different waviness numbers and various wave amplitudes with variable viscosities of nanolubricants using a relationship between the relative viscosity, temperature, and weight fraction of NPs developed from experimental results.…”

Performance analysis of journal bearing having surface waviness operating under misaligned condition

“…It was discovered that irregularities increase the value of minimum fluid film thickness and lubricant flow. Bangotra and Sharma 11,12 reported that due to the surface waviness, the load capacity increases, and the COF reduction and surface waviness in the pressure region is more effective in the circumferential direction than the axial direction.…”