Numerical modeling of journal bearing considering both elastohydrodynamic lubrication and multi-flexible-body dynamics

This study uses an elastohydrodynamic lubrication model coupled with multi-flexible-body dynamics (MFBD) to analyze dynamic bearing lubrication characteristics, such as pressure distribution and oil film thickness. To solve the coupled fluid-structure interaction system, this study uses an MFBD solver and an elastohydrodynamics module. The elastohydrodynamics module passes its force and torque data to the MFBD solver, which can solve general dynamic systems that include rigid and flexible bodies, joints, forces, and contact elements. The MFBD solver analyzes the positions, velocities, and accelerations of the multi-flexible-body system while incorporating the pressure distribution results of the elastohydrodynamics module. The MFBD solver then passes the position and velocity information back to the elastohydrodynamics solver, which reanalyzes the force, torque, and pressure distribution. This iteration is continued throughout the analysis time period. Other functions, such as mesh grid control and oil hole and groove effects, are also implemented. Numerical examples for bearing lubrication systems are demonstrated.