Steady-state behavior of finite compliant journal bearing using a piezoviscous polar fluid as lubricant

The proposed work is concerned with the theoretical and numerical investigation of the lubricant rheology effects on the steady-state behavior of a plain finite compliant journal bearing operating under isothermal conditions. In the present investigation, the couple-stresses due to the presence of improving viscosity index (VI) additives, the viscosity-pressure (piezoviscosity effect) as well as the density-pressure (compressibility effect) variations are considered. The hydrodynamic lubrication theory is based on the V.K. Stokes micro-continuum mechanics which takes into account the size of macro-molecular chains added to the basic oil. The Barus and Dowson-Higginson laws were used to express the viscosity-pressure and density-pressure variations. Using the classical assumptions of lubrication, a modified Reynolds' equation is derived and solved numerically by the finite difference method. The displacement field at the fluid film bearing liner interface due to pressure forces is determined using the elastic thin liner model. The proposed work is concerned with the theoretical and numerical investigation of the lubricant rheology effects on the steady-state behavior of a plain finite compliant (elastic liner) journal bearing operating under isothermal conditions and laminar flow. The obtained results show that the couple-stresses have significant effects on the hydrodynamic performance characteristics such as the pressure field, the carrying capacity, the attitude angle and friction number especially when the viscosity-pressure variation is considered. Moreover, it is also shown that the compressibility of lubricant doesn't affect the hydrodynamic characteristics.