Modeling of a Grooved Parallel Bearing with a Mass-Conserving Cavitation Algorithm

Several load-supporting mechanisms have been studied to deal with the cavitation problem in parallel bearings. The formation of cavities and their disposition affect the pressure generated in a continuous thin film and hence the load capacity of bearings. In solving the Reynolds equation, proper cavitation boundary conditions must be applied. In this article, the mass-conserving Vijayaraghavan-Keith cavitation algorithm is utilized to analyze the hydrodynamic lubrication performance of parallel bearings with one or more grooves. Using the finite difference method, a one-dimensional Reynolds equation is discretized. Gauss-Seidel iteration is used to solve the obtained set of linear algebraic equations. For a given lubricant, sliding speed, and minimum film thickness, several comparative studies are made between the Vijayaraghavan-Keith cavitation algorithm and a published analytic solution. Several factors affecting the hydrodynamic lubrication performance are considered, such as cavitation pressure, inlet length, groove number, and textured pattern. The analysis results validate the Vijayaraghavan-Keith cavitation algorithm. It is found that the Vijayaraghavan-Keith algorithm is not sensitive to the textured groove depth. In addition, inlet roughness, inlet suction, and quasi-antisymmetric integration are identified to be the essential features that generate hydrodynamic pressure in parallel bearings.