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This paper aims to improve the bearing capacity of hydrostatic thrust bearing under working conditions of high speed and heavy load; a new wedge-shaped structure opened on an edge of oil seal is put forward, the loss and insufficiency for hydrostatic bearing capacity are made up by using dynamic pressure, and then, hydrostatic hydrodynamic lubrication is realized.

Oil film three-dimensional models of unidirectional and bi-directional hydrostatic hydrodynamic oil pad are established by using UG. The oil film pressure fields of two kinds of oil pad are simulated by using ANSYS ICEM CFD and ANSYS CFX; the pressure fields distribution characteristics are obtained, and the effects of workbench rotary speed and bearing weight on pressure field are analyzed. Also, the experimental verification is made.

The results demonstrate that with an increase in workbench rotary speed, the oil film pressure of two kinds of hybrid oil pad increases gradually, and the maximum pressure of the bi-directional one accounts for 95 per cent of the unidirectional one when the load is constant. With an increase in load, the oil film pressure of two kinds of hybrid oil pad increases gradually, the difference between them is 9.4 per cent under the condition of load of 25 t when the rotary speed is constant.

The paper can provide theoretical basis for a structure design of hybrid thrust bearing under different rotary speed and load conditions, and compensate the shortage of static pressure-bearing capacity by using dynamic pressure, improve the stability of vertical CNC machining equipment.

Rotational speed and load-carrying capacity are two mutual coupling factors which affect high precision and stable operation of a hydrostatic thrust bearing. The purpose of this paper is to study reasonable matching relationship between the rotational speed and the load-carrying capacity.

A mathematical model of relationship between the rotational speed and the load-carrying capacity of the hydrostatic bearing with double-rectangle recess is set up on the basis of the tribology theory and the lubrication theory, and the load and rotational speed characteristics of an oil film temperature field and a pressure field in the hydrostatic bearing are analyzed, reasonable matching relationship between the rotational speed and the load-carrying capacity is deduced and a verification experiment is conducted.

By increasing the rotational speed, the oil film temperature increases, the average pressure decreases and the load-carrying capacity decreases. By increasing the load-carrying capacity, the oil film temperature and the average pressure increases and the rotational speed decreases; corresponding certain reasonable matching values are available.

The load-carrying capacity can be increased and the rotational speed improved by means of reducing the friction area of the oil recess by using low-viscosity lubricating oil and adding more oil film clearance; but, the stiffness of the hydrostatic bearing decreases.

Traditional prediction of braking characteristics of vehicular hydrodynamic retarders is commonly conducted based on braking characteristics model of closed working chamber, namely, closed working chamber model (CWCM). In CWCM, inlet and outlet oil pressures and braking torque are considered to be independent of inlet and outlet flow rates. However, inlet and outlet flow rates can affect internal and external braking characteristics under actual working conditions. This study aims to establish a more accurate braking characteristics model of a hydrodynamic retarder under full oil-charging condition, and then the influence of varying inlet and outlet flow rates on oil pressures and braking torque is investigated in this paper.

A full flow passage of working chamber in a hydrodynamic retarder with inlet and outlets was established, and the reliability of numerical model was analyzed and validated. Pressure rise was introduced to describe the variation of inlet and outlet oil pressures. Then, on the basis of the validation, the CWCM was proposed at different rotor rotational speeds. The inlet and outlet oil pressures and braking torque were numerically computed at different inlet and outlet flow rates with Full Factorial Design experimental method. The results obtained were involved into establishing the braking characteristics model of open working chamber, namely, open working chamber model (OWCM), combined with Radial basis function approximation model. The OWCM with different inlet and outlet flow rates was analyzed and compared with CWCM.

The results show that inlet and outlet flow rates have obvious influence on the variation of inlet and outlet oil pressures in OWCM compared with CWCM. The outlet A pressure rise significantly changes with the inlet and outlet A flow rates, while the pressure rise of outlet B is mainly affected by the outlet B flow rate.

This paper presents an OWCM of hydrodynamic retarders under full oil-charging condition. The model takes into account the impact of oil inflowing and outflowing from the working chamber, which can provide a more accurate prediction of braking characteristics of hydrodynamic retarders.

This paper aims to study the influence of thermal effect on the performance for a high-speed conical hybrid bearing including stability and minimum oil film thickness.

A thermal hydrodynamic (THD) model and dynamic model of single mass rigid rotor system were established by taking conical hybrid bearing with shallow and deep pockets as the research object, dynamic coefficient and stability parameters of bearing-rotor system were obtained by using finite element method (FEM) and finite difference method (FDM) to solve computational models of Reynolds equation, energy equation and viscosity-temperature equation. Minimum oil film thickness was obtained based on bearing force balance. Dynamic coefficient was compared with previous findings.

After considering thermal effect, the dimensionless critical mass decreases, a significant decrease in the instability speed, and the stability of the system decreases greatly; the minimum oil film thickness decreases because of thermal effect.

The thermal effect is combined with dynamic characteristics to analyze stability of the rotor system for a conical hybrid bearing. Influence of thermal effect on minimum oil film thickness is studied.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2019-0542/

Surface textures have been widely used in thrust bearings as a means of enhancing the tribological performance. The effect of textures with a spiral distribution on the lubrication characteristics of thrust bearings has not been fully covered. This paper aims to investigate and find the optimal structure and distribution parameters of textures with the maximum loading capacity and minimum friction force as goals.

Combining the multi-objective optimization method based on the non-dominated sorted genetic algorithm-II with response surface methodology, the key textured parameters are optimized. Local sensitivity analysis is used to evaluate the impact level of each parameter.

Spiral distribution of textures can effectively improve the lubrication performance of the thrust bearing compared with the linear distribution. The distribution with high amplitudes and high cycle numbers will weaken the spiral effect and destroy the high-pressure region. Through the multi-objective optimization of the textured structure and distribution parameters, the loading capacity demonstrates a 55.05per cent improvement compared to the basic model. Textured width is the most sensitive parameter for both loading capacity and friction force.

Present research provides a fundamental design guide for textured thrust bearings.

This article aims to provide an analysis of the joint impact of the business network and the company's internal resources on the level of environmental management (EM) deployment.

Correlation, regression and cluster analyses of data gathered in 2005 in the Dutch food and drink (F&D) industry were carried out.

The deployment of managerial capabilities that support ecological modernization (such as supply chain cooperation and network information exchange, or product‐redesign) in the Dutch F&D industry is low. The results show that different company profiles are connected with specific drivers and barriers for environmental pro‐activeness. Prospector companies (a minority) are more pro‐active with respect to environmental capability building than defenders.

Comparative longitudinal studies of environmental management drivers in subsectors could improve the understanding of the factors that stimulate environmental performance.

Optimism that industry will enhance EM‐performance through radical market‐induced innovation is misplaced. Instead, a contingency approach is in place. Public environmental policy with respect to the F&D industry should be adjusted to discernable managerial patterns and categories of companies. Voluntary cooperation, self‐governance, and market‐induced environmental innovation are only effective with respect to a minority of the companies.

The research opposes the existing foundation of public environmental policy on generic attributes assigned to the whole F&D‐industry and, consequently, of generic policies to improve environmental management performance. A differentiation of public policy should be based on the understanding of the drivers of managerial behavior.

Information and communications technology (ICT) offers enormous opportunities for individuals, businesses and society. The application of ICT is equally important to economic and non-economic activities. Researchers have increasingly focused on the adoption and use of ICT by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the economic development of a country is largely dependent on them. Following the success of ICT utilisation in SMEs in developed countries, many developing countries are looking to utilise the potential of the technology to develop SMEs. Past studies have shown that the contribution of ICT to the performance of SMEs is not clear and certain. Thus, it is crucial to determine the effectiveness of ICT in generating firm performance since this has implications for SMEs’ expenditure on the technology. This research examines the diffusion of ICT among SMEs with respect to the typical stages from innovation adoption to post-adoption, by analysing the actual usage of ICT and value creation. The mediating effects of integration and utilisation on SME performance are also studied. Grounded in the innovation diffusion literature, institutional theory and resource-based theory, this study has developed a comprehensive integrated research model focused on the research objectives. Following a positivist research paradigm, this study employs a mixed-method research approach. A preliminary conceptual framework is developed through an extensive literature review and is refined by results from an in-depth field study. During the field study, a total of 11 SME owners or decision-makers were interviewed. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using NVivo 10 to refine the model to develop the research hypotheses. The final research model is composed of 30 first-order and five higher-order constructs which involve both reflective and formative measures. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is employed to test the theoretical model with a cross-sectional data set of 282 SMEs in Bangladesh. Survey data were collected using a structured questionnaire issued to SMEs selected by applying a stratified random sampling technique. The structural equation modelling utilises a two-step procedure of data analysis. Prior to estimating the structural model, the measurement model is examined for construct validity of the study variables (i.e. convergent and discriminant validity).

The estimates show cognitive evaluation as an important antecedent for expectation which is shaped primarily by the entrepreneurs’ beliefs (perception) and also influenced by the owners’ innovativeness and culture. Culture further influences expectation. The study finds that facilitating condition, environmental pressure and country readiness are important antecedents of expectation and ICT use. The results also reveal that integration and the degree of ICT utilisation significantly affect SMEs’ performance. Surprisingly, the findings do not reveal any significant impact of ICT usage on performance which apparently suggests the possibility of the ICT productivity paradox. However, the analysis finally proves the non-existence of the paradox by demonstrating the mediating role of ICT integration and degree of utilisation explain the influence of information technology (IT) usage on firm performance which is consistent with the resource-based theory. The results suggest that the use of ICT can enhance SMEs’ performance if the technology is integrated and properly utilised. SME owners or managers, interested stakeholders and policy makers may follow the study’s outcomes and focus on ICT integration and degree of utilisation with a view to attaining superior organisational performance.

This study urges concerned business enterprises and government to look at the environmental and cultural factors with a view to achieving ICT usage success in terms of enhanced firm performance. In particular, improving organisational practices and procedures by eliminating the traditional power distance inside organisations and implementing necessary rules and regulations are important actions for managing environmental and cultural uncertainties. The application of a Bengali user interface may help to ensure the productivity of ICT use by SMEs in Bangladesh. Establishing a favourable national technology infrastructure and legal environment may contribute positively to improving the overall situation. This study also suggests some changes and modifications in the country’s existing policies and strategies. The government and policy makers should undertake mass promotional programs to disseminate information about the various uses of computers and their contribution in developing better organisational performance. Organising specialised training programs for SME capacity building may succeed in attaining the motivation for SMEs to use ICT. Ensuring easy access to the technology by providing loans, grants and subsidies is important. Various stakeholders, partners and related organisations should come forward to support government policies and priorities in order to ensure the productive use of ICT among SMEs which finally will help to foster Bangladesh’s economic development.

This study aims to improve the survivability and maneuverability of the fighter,and study the stealth performance of fighter in the jet noise of aeroengine, it is of great significance to study the jet noise characteristics of double S-bend nozzles.

The multiparameter coupling and super-ellipse design methods are used to design the cross section of double S-bend nozzle. Taking unsteady flow information as the equivalent sound source, the noise signal at the far-field monitoring points were calculated with Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings (FW–H) method, and then, the sound source characteristics of the double S-bend nozzle are analyzed.

The results show that the internal flow of the S-bend nozzle with rectangular section is smoothed and the aerodynamic performance is better than super-ellipse section, the shear layer length of rectangular section is longer, the thickness is smaller and the mixing ability is stronger. The sound pressure level of the two S-bend nozzles decreases with the increase of the monitoring angle, and the sound pressure on the horizontal plane is greater than the vertical plane. In the direction of 40°–120°, the jet noise of rectangular nozzle is smaller, and the multiparameter coupled rectangular cross section structure is more applicable.

It is beneficial to reduce the jet noise of the engine tail nozzle and improve the stealth performance of the aircraft.

There is very little research on the jet noise characteristics of the double S-bend nozzle. The multiparameter coupling and the super-ellipse method are used to design the nozzle flow section to study the aerodynamic performance and jet noise characteristics of the double S-bend nozzle and to improve the acoustic stealth characteristics of the aircraft.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the hydrodynamic lubrication characteristics of ferrofluid film for spiral groove mechanical seal in external electromagnetic field and to analyze the effects of the volume fraction of ferrofluid, parameters of the electromagnetic field, operating parameters and geometrical parameters of mechanical seal on the characteristics of ferrofluid film.

The relationship between the ferrofluid viscosity and the intensity of external electromagnetic field was established. Based on the Muijderman narrow groove theory, the pressure distribution was calculated with the trial method by trapezoid formula.

It was found that pressure, average viscosity, average density and opening force of ferrofluid between end faces increase with the increase in intensity of current, volume fraction of ferrofluid, rotating speed, pressure differential and spiral angle; decrease with the increase in temperature; and increase at first and then decrease with the increase in the ratio of groove width to weir and the groove length. All of them reach the maximum value when the ratio of width of groove to weir is 0.7 and the ratio of groove length is 0.6. Leakage of ferrofluid increases with an increase in intensity of current, volume fraction of ferrofluid, rotating speed, pressure differential, spiral angle and ratio of groove length; decreases with an increase in temperature; and increases at first and then decreases with the increase in the ratio of groove width to weir. The tendencies of characteristics of silicone oil are consistent with those of ferrofluid, and the characteristics of silicone oil are smaller than those of ferrofluid under the same condition.

The volume fraction of ferrofluid, rotating speed, spiral angle, ratio of groove width to weir, groove length and temperature have a significant influence on the characteristics of ferrofluid film; however, intensity of current and the pressure differential have slight influence on the characteristics of ferrofluid film. An analytical method for analyzing hydrodynamic lubrication characteristics of ferrofluid film in a spiral groove mechanical seal was proposed based on the Muijderman narrow groove theory.

The purpose of this study is to propose a fast method for predicting flow fields with periodic behavior with verification in the context of a radial turbine to meet the urgent requirement to effectively capture the unsteady flow characteristics in turbomachinery. Aiming at meeting the urgent requirement to effectively capture the unsteady flow characteristics in turbomachinery, a fast method for predicting flow fields with periodic behavior is proposed here, with verification in the context of a radial turbine (RT).

Sparsity-promoting dynamic mode decomposition is used to determine the dominant coherent structures of the unsteady flow for mode selection, and for flow-field prediction, the characteristic parameters including amplitude and frequency are predicted using one-dimensional Gaussian fitting with flow rate and two-dimensional triangulation-based cubic interpolation with both flow rate and rotation speed. The flow field can be rebuilt using the predicted characteristic parameters and the chosen model.

Under single flow-rate variation conditions, the turbine flow field can be recovered using the first seven modes and fitted amplitude modulus and frequency with less than 5% error in the pressure field and less than 9.7% error in the velocity field. For the operating conditions with concurrent flow-rate and rotation-speed fluctuations, the relative error in the anticipated pressure field is likewise within an acceptable range. Compared to traditional numerical simulations, the method requires a lot less time while maintaining the accuracy of the prediction.

It would be challenging and interesting work to extend the current method to nonlinear problems.

The method presented herein provides an effective solution for the fast prediction of unsteady flow fields in the design of turbomachinery.

A flow prediction method based on sparsity-promoting dynamic mode decomposition was proposed and applied into a RT to predict the flow field under various operating conditions (both rotation speed and flow rate change) with reasonable prediction accuracy. Compared with numerical calculations or experiments, the proposed method can greatly reduce time and resource consumption for flow field visualization at design stage. Most of the physics information of the unsteady flow was maintained by reconstructing the flow modes in the prediction method, which may contribute to a deeper understanding of physical mechanisms.