Analysis of axially grooved journal bearings with heat transfer effects
An approximate solution technique for axially grooved fluid film journal bearings is presented. The method makes use of earlier approximations for the axial pressure distribution and the circumferential temperature variation and extends the theory to include heat transfer between the film and the bearing and journal. A second-order profile is assumed to represent the temperature distribution across the film. The classical Reynolds equation is applied, using the viscosity determined by the cross-film average of temperature. The conduction of heat through the bearing is modeled in two dimensions by using a series expansion for the temperature in the sleeve, and the journal surface temperature is given by a circumferential average of film temperatures. Results are compared with those of another theory by Lund and with experimental results. The predicted temperatures agree with experiment over the loaded part of a two-axial-groove bearing but not as well in the unloaded part. They agree closely with those given by Lund's theory. The predicted pressure profile in the bearing is in close agreement with experiment, with the peak value predicted within 3 percent of experimental measurement and its location within 5° of the measured peak. Predicted temperatures in an offset halves bearing are consistent with experimental values. The effects of wing two different boundary conditions on the outer radius of the bearing are examined. © 1987 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.