Finite Element Analysis of Dynamically Loaded Flexible Journal Bearings: A Fast Newton-Raphson Method

A fast Newton-Raphson method is presented for the finite element analysis of dynamically loaded flexible journal bearings. The method makes use of 8-node isoparametric elements for the lubrication analysis and 20-node isoparametric elements for the structural analysis. Results are presented for the Ruston and Hornsby 6VEB Mk III marine diesel big-end bearing using this method. The computing time required for this analysis is more than two orders of magnitude less than that previously reported for an elastohydrodynamic bearing analysis using a conventional Newton-Raphson method.