Finite element analysis of elastohydrodynamic circular journal bearing with micropolar lubricants

In this paper the effect of deformation of the bearing liner on the static characteristics of a circular journal bearing operating with micropolar fluid is analysed. Lubricating oil containing additives and contaminants is modeled as micropolar fluid. A modified Reynold's equation is obtained by considering the effect of mass transfer across the fluid film in the fluid flow equations. Finite element technique has been, used to solve the modified Reynold's equation governing the flow of micropolar fluid in the clearance space of the journal bearing and the three-dimensional elasticity equations governing the displacement field in the bearing shell. The static characteristics of the bearing are presented for a wide range of deformation coefficient which takes into account the flexibility of the bearing liner. The increase in volume concentration of additives in the lubricant produces significant effects in the performance characteristics of the bearing especially when the bearing operates at higher eccentricity ratio.