Thermoelastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis of misaligned plain journal bearings

By the synthetic solution of the generalized Reynolds equation, three-dimension energy equation, and heat conduction equations and deformations of the solids, this paper developed the thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) model of misaligned plain journal bearing (MPJB). On the basis, series of results were provided to examine the effects of elastic and thermal deformations on the performance of the MPJB. The results show that the elastic and thermal deformations have remarkable influence on the performance of the MPJB. The elastic deformation leads to the creation of the local "pocket" in the oil film thickness. Under this condition, the maximum oil film pressure decreases significantly. The thermal deformation gives rise to the emergence of the local "bowl" in the oil film thickness. Therefore, the minimum oil film thickness increases obviously. However, the influence of the thermal deformation on the maximum oil film pressure is very small. All properties of the bearing vary significantly for the complete TEHD simulation, thus, it is essential to develop the TEHD model for analyzing the bearing performance.