Surface virtual texturing of the journal bearings of a three-cylinder ethanol engine

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to numerically investigate the surface texturing effects on the main bearings of a three-cylinder ethanol engine in terms of the power loss and friction coefficient for dynamic load conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical formulation considers the Partir-Cheng modified Reynolds equation. The mass-conserving Elrod-Adams p-θ model with the JFO approach is used to deal with cavitation. A fluid-structure coupling procedure is considered for the elastohydrodynamic lubrication. Accordingly, a 3-D linear-elastic substructured finite element model obtained from Abaqus is applied

Findings

Simulations were carried out considering different dimple texture designs in terms of location, depth and radius. The results suggested that there are regions where texturing is more effective. In addition, distinct journal rotation speeds are studied and the surface texture was able to reduce friction and the power loss by 7%.

Practical implications

The surface texturing can be a useful technique to reduce the power loss on the crankshaft bearing increasing the overall engine efficiency.

Originality/value

The surface texturing performance in a three-cylinder engine using ethanol as fuel was investigated through numerical experimentation. The results are supported by previous findings.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2019-0380/

Citation

Rodrigues, G.W. and Bittencourt, M.L. (2020), "Surface virtual texturing of the journal bearings of a three-cylinder ethanol engine", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 72 No. 9, pp. 1059-1073. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-09-2019-0380