Elasto-hydrodynamic analysis of journal bearing operating with nanolubricants

Abstract

In this study, performance parameters of a rigid and flexible journal bearing using non-Newtonian nanolubricants have been investigated and compared. Krieger-Dougherty viscosity model has been implemented with a non-Newtonian model (power law) to evaluate the effective viscosity of nanolubricants. In order to attain the pressure field of nanolubricants, a numerical solution of the modified Reynolds equation has been derived with initial assumptions and boundary conditions using finite difference method. The static performance parameters for both the bearings have been examined at different values of power law index and eccentricity ratio. The results demonstrate that the load-carrying capacity, maximum pressure and friction force increase significantly using nanolubricant in comparison to base lubricant. Also, the values of these parameters increase with increase of power law index. An insignificant effect of elastic deformation is observed on performance parameters except attitude angle at a particular power law index value.