Non-linear transient analysis of submerged oil journal bearings considering surface roughness and thermal effects

A time-transient non-linear analysis has been carried out to study the influence of surface roughness and viscosity-temperature dependency on stability of a submerged oil journal bearing. The average Reynolds equation has been solved simultaneously along with the energy equation and heat-transfer equation in bush and shaft. The cavitation model, proposed by Kicinski along the lines of Jacobsson-Floberg theory, has been modified to account for the surface roughness effects. The effect of various surface roughness parameters, such as the composite surface roughness, roughness orientation pattern and variance ratio, on the stability has been studied. The non-linear transient analysis of submerged oil journal bearings under (a) a unidirectional constant load, (b) a unidirectional periodic load and (c) a variable rotating load is performed.