Thermohydrodynamic Behavior of Misaligned Plain Journal Bearings: Theoretical and Experimental Approaches

Abstract

Hydrodynamic journal bearings are essential components for supporting and guiding the rotating shafts of high-speed machinery. Manufacturing defects in assembly or thermal distortions may introduce problems during running, such as misalignment. The destructive effects of this kind of running problem have justified the development of a numerical model to predict the bearing operating characteristics under steady-state conditions. The present work presents in detail the three-dimensional thermohydrodynamic approach adopted in this study in order to consider the thermal field variations. This model also includes lubricant film rupture and reformation phenomena by conserving the mass flow rate. In addition, an experimental validation is made by comparison with measurements carried out on our test device for various operating conditions and misalignment torques. The influence of misalignment direction is also investigated by considering numerical and experimental approaches used in the study of bearing behavior variations.