Influence of non‐Newtonian behavior of lubricant on performance of hole‐entry hybrid journal bearings employing constant flow valve restrictors

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the theoretical study concerning the effect of non‐linear behavior of the lubricant on the performance of symmetric constant flow valve compensated hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing. The bearing performance characteristics have been computed for various values of non‐linearity factor, land width ratio, aspect ratio and external load.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis considers the generalized Reynolds equation governing the flow of lubricant having variable viscosity in the clearance space and equation of flow of lubricant through constant flow valve restrictor. The non‐Newtonian lubricant is assumed to follow the cubic shear stress law.

Findings

The study indicates that for generation of accurate bearing characteristics data, the inclusion of non‐linear effects of lubricant in the analysis is essential.

Originality/value

The performance characteristics in terms of minimum fluid‐film thickness, fluid‐film stiffness and damping coefficients, critical mass and threshold speed for a wide range of values of the non‐linearity factor and external load are presented. The results presented are expected to be quite useful to bearing designers.

Citation

Garg, H.C. (2011), "Influence of non‐Newtonian behavior of lubricant on performance of hole‐entry hybrid journal bearings employing constant flow valve restrictors", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 63 No. 5, pp. 373-386. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368791111154995