Magneto-hydrostatic lubrication of thrust bearings considering different configurations of recess

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to numerically investigate the influence of magnetic field and recess configurations on performance of hydrostatic thrust bearing. Electrically conducting fluid is supplied to bearing, operating in external magnetic field. Influences of recess geometric shapes (circular, rectangular, elliptical and triangular) and restrictor (capillary and orifice) are numerically examined on stead-state and dynamic performance characteristics of bearing. Design/methodology/approach Numerical simulation of hydrostatic thrust bearing has been performed using finite element (FE) method based on Galerkin’s technique. An iterative source code based on FE approach, Gauss–Siedel and Newton–Raphson method is used to compute steady-state and dynamic performance indices of bearings. Findings The presence of magnetic field is observed to be enhancing load-carrying capacity and damping coefficient of bearings. The effect is observed to be more pronounced at low value of Hartmann number, because of the saturation effect observed at higher values of Hartmann number. The enhancement in abovementioned performance indices is observed to be highly dependent on geometry of recess and restrictor. Research limitations/implications This study presents a FE-based approach to numerically simulate a hydrostatic thrust bearing. It will help bearing designers and academician in selecting an appropriate recess shape, restrictor and strength of magnetic field, for obtaining optimum performance from hydrostatic thrust bearing. Originality/value The present investigation provides a coupled solution of modified Reynolds equation and restrictor equation, which is essential for accurately predicting the performance of hydrostatic thrust bearings.

Effect of geometric shape of micro-grooves on the performance of textured hybrid thrust pad bearing

“…Figure 1c) are considered in the present investigation. Based on the available literature [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37], two values of Hartmann number have been chosen to represent Newtonian lubricant (H = 0) and electrically conducting lubricant (H = 3) in numerical simulations. Performance has been evaluated in terms of non-dimensional physical quantities, namely fluid film pressure profile, loadcarrying capacity, lubricant flow rate, frictional power loss, fluid film stiffness and damping coefficients.…”

“…The above-mentioned studies predicted a substantial enhancement in external load bearing capacity and time of approach (of squeeze film) with the magnetohydrodynamic lubrication in their respective bearings. Recently, Kumar and Sharma [34][35][36] numerically simulated the hydrostatic thrust bearings, considering influence of pocket shape and compensating element, operating with magneto-hydrostatic lubrication. The authors reported that the steady-state and dynamic characteristics of hydrostatic bearings can be suitably managed by manufacturing non-conventional recess shapes in the thrust pad.…”

“…The authors reported that the steady-state and dynamic characteristics of hydrostatic bearings can be suitably managed by manufacturing non-conventional recess shapes in the thrust pad. Further, these studies [34][35][36] concluded that a better dynamic response from thrust bearing (under magneto-hydrostatic lubrication) can be achieved, provided compensating elements are designed with lower value of restrictor design parameter (< 2). Liquid mercury and gallium-based alloy [37] are examples of commercially available electrically conducting lubricants.…”

Model-Based Design Approach to Improve Performance Characteristics of Hydrostatic Bearing Using Multivariable Optimization

“…The dynamic characteristics are improved with the help of variable compensation, which is provided by using a double-action restrictor of the tapered spool type and the cylindrical spool type [2,3] but the deficiency of this approach is the slow response time of the spool type restrictor as compared to the servo valve. A numerical study is carried out to find the appropriate value of the recess shape, the strength of the magnetic field and the restrictor for the optimal performance of hydrostatic bearings [4]. A shaft's eccentricity is controlled with the help of a piezoelectric membrane restrictor [5].…”

Hematite Suspension based Absorbent Pad Inclined Slider Influenced by Slip and Squeeze Velocity with Altering Film Ratio

“…Long term stability and faster rate of heat transfer 1,2 of FFs have fascinated the researchers dealing with the problems of various geometries like slider planer motion 3 table, rotating disk [4][5][6] , circular disks 7,8 helical pipes 9 , etc. Ferro fluid lubrication 10 plays an imperative role to enhance the heat transfer rate and the lifting force in thrust bearings [11][12][13] , journal bearings [14][15][16][17] , conical bearings 18 , inclined slider bearings 19,20 , exponential slider bearings 21 , ball bearings 22 and textured rolling bearing 23 .…”