A steady-state performance analysis of a non-circular cylindrical floating ring journal bearing

This paper analyses the steady-state performance behaviour of a new type of journal bearing, i.e. the non-circular cylindrical floating ring journal bearing. It consists of a floating ring in between the shaft and the upper and lower lobes of a two-lobe bearing. The journal and the inner surface of the ring are cylindrical while bearing surfaces are non-circular. The classical Navier-Stokes equations in the modified form together with the continuity equation are being solved by the finite element method. The cylindrical coordinates form of the Navier-Stokes equation and continuity equation are used in the present analysis to compute the important proposed bearing characteristics. In this analytical study, the finite bearing approximation (L/D=1) with a C-2/C-1 value of 0.70 and 1.30 are being used to simulate the behaviour of non-circular cylindrical floating ring journal bearing. The Reynold's boundary condition is used to enumerate the performance of the proposed bearing. In the present analysis, the steady-state parameters in terms of an inner and outer film eccentricity ratio, a speed ratio, attitude angle, load capacity, friction coefficient parameter, axial oil flow and rise in temperature variable are determined. The results reveal that the steady-state performance of the non-circular floating ring journal bearing is superior to a plain cylindrical floating ring journal bearing.