Elastohydrodynamic effects in elliptical bearings

Abstract

In this paper the effect of bearing deformation on the static and dynamic performance characteristics of an elliptical bearing is presented. The finite element method has been used to solve the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes and the continuity equations governing the lubricant flow in the clearance space of the journal bearing and the three-dimensional elasticity equations governing the displacement field in the bearing shell. The static and dynamic performance characteristics are presented at various eccentricities for a wide range of deformation coefficient values which take into account the flexibility of the bearing liner.