On the Dynamic Thermal State in a Hydrodynamic Bearing With a Whirling Journal Using CFD Techniques

A thermohydrodynamic analysis, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques, that accounts for conduction in the rotating and orbiting shaft of a hydrodynamic bearing is presented. No restrictions apply to the circumferential or axial variation of journal/shaft temperature. Dynamic cavitation effects are also introduced, such that pressures in the cavitation region are predicted rather than set. The model predictions are validated against analytical and published experimental results. For the case of a centrally located synchronous forward circular whirl orbit, it is demonstrated that the journal does not behave as a circumferentially isothermal element and that significant steady temperature differentials across the journal may occur.