A study of misaligned hole-entry worn journal bearing operating in turbulent regime

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study theoretically the combined influence of journal misalignment and wear on the performance of a hole-entry hybrid journal bearing system. The bearing is assumed to be operating in a turbulent regime. Design/methodology/approach - The modified Reynolds equation based on Constantinescu lubrication theory has been solved by using finite element method together with orifice and capillary restrictors flow equations as a constrain together with appropriate boundary conditions. Findings - It has been observed that for a symmetric hole-entry journal bearing configuration the value of h̄min is more for the bearing compensated by orifice restrictor as compared to capillary restrictor when bearing operates in turbulent regime under worn/unworn conditions. From the point of view of stability threshold speed ω̄th, the reduction in the value of ω̄th for capillary compensated bearing is around -3.89 percent whereas for orifice compensated bearing it is -7.85 percent when misaligned worn bearing is operating in turbulent regime. Originality/value - The present work is original of its kind, in case of misaligned hole-entry worn journal bearing. The results are quite useful for the bearing designer. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.