Comparison of static performance characteristics of 3-Axial groove water lubricated journal bearings: Reynolds and JFO models

Abstract

The steady state characteristics of water lubricated
journal bearings having multiple axial grooves are
obtained theoretically. The novelty of these
bearings is that the lubricant (water) is fed under
pressure from one end of the bearing, through the
multiple axial grooves (groove angles may vary).
These bearings can use the process fluid as the
lubricant, as in the case of feed water pumps.
The Reynolds equation is solved numerically by the
finite difference method satisfying the Jacobsson-
Floberg-Olsson boundary conditions.
Experimental results indicate that the pressure
remains constant for a major portion of the
groove, while theory predicts a linear pressure
drop from inlet to exit. Comparison of load
capacity, attitude angle, volume flow rate and
friction variable for various bearing number and
eccentricity ratios, assuming linear pressure drop
along the groove, shows that there is a significant
difference between those obtained by the Reynolds
model and the Jacobsson-Floberg-Olsson model.
The Jacobsson-Floberg-Olsson model takes into
account continuity of flow at both cavitation and
reformation boundaries and therefore gives a
better prediction of bearing characteristics.