Leakage-free optimization of micro herringbone grooved journal bearings with a virtual node method

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to develop a new method to treat the numerical singularity at the critical nodes of two skew coordinates, and optimize the leakage of micro herringbone grooved journal bearings (MHGJBs) with this method. Design/methodology/approach A side leakage numerical algorithm is proposed by using the skew meshes with a virtual node (SMVN) method to evaluate the effects of groove angle, bank/groove ratio, groove depth and groove number on load capacity, friction and side leakage of MHGJB. Findings The SMVN method is effective in treating the numerical singularity at the critical nodes of two skew coordinates. Besides, a group of optimized parameters of micro herringbone groove is obtained which can not only minimize the side leakage but also improve the load capacity and friction force. Originality/value A virtual node method was proposed, which can significantly improve the calculation accuracy in the side leakage model.