A Boundary Element Cavitation Algorithm

In this paper, a new numerical algorithm is presented to predict gaseous cavitation in various fluid film bearings. Elrod's universal differential equation is transformed into a generalized boundary integral equation, which is valid throughout both the full film and the cavitated regions. The mathematical development of the algorithm couples the boundary discrete element and internal integral cell techniques. A computer code for linear elements is developed. Three types of bearings, a parabolic slider bearing, a submerged journal bearing, and a grooved journal bearing, are investigated. The results are compared with those obtained by use of the finite difference method. The advantage of the algorithm is clearly demonstrated by its computational accuracy and solution speed.