Effect of recess configuration on the performances of high-speed hybrid journal bearing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the influences of recess configurations on the performances of high-speed hybrid journal bearing. Hybrid journal bearing earns increasing attention in high-speed machine tool spindle owing to its intrinsic outstanding performances of low temperature rise and high stability. Design/methodology/approach To investigate the coupled effects of temperature, turbulence and the interaction between lubricant and journal/bearing bush, a thermal fluid-structure interaction approach is presented and validated by the experimental results. Findings Ladder-type recess has excellent tribological characteristics in decreasing temperature rise, improving stability and inhibiting cavitation, which are all beneficial to improve the performances of high-speed spindle system. Originality/value This work can be a valuable guide for the future high-speed hybrid journal bearing design.