Wear Detection and Correction of Magnetorheological Fluid Journal Bearings

Abstract

The current paper discusses the use of magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) for the lubrication of journal bearings as an effective solution for controlling performance-wise a variety of rotor bearing systems applying an external magnetic field. To account for the magnetic flux production in the lubricating layer, a 2D axisymmetric magnetostatic model is developed while the static performance metrics of the journal bearing are assessed via a 3D CFD analysis modeling the MR fluid as a Bingham plastic, the rheological parameters of which depend on magnetic field intensity. Moreover, is concluded that MRFs have a wear compensatory feature, increasing the minimum lubricant thickness to a degree that completely compensates possible wear, filling the worn region with high viscosity lubricant.