Investigation on the influence of ship rudder maneuvering conditions on the dynamic characteristics of the stern bearing lubrication film

Abstract

To investigate the dynamic characteristics of the stern bearing lubrication film during rudder maneuvers, this study employs the displacement superposition method to describe the bidirectional deformation and geometric posture of the stern bearing. A lubrication model is developed, and a computational method for determining dynamic parameters is proposed. The model is solved numerically to analyze the effects of varying operating conditions and structural parameters. Results indicate that increases in both vertical and horizontal loads enhance the lubrication film's dynamic parameters, with vertical loads exerting a stronger influence, and that the stern bearing is more sensitive to vertical displacement disturbances. Compared to right rudder maneuvers, left rudder maneuvers produce greater dynamic parameters in the lubrication film. Further analysis reveals that increasing the length-to-diameter ratio reduces dynamic parameters, whereas increasing the clearance ratio enhances them, and that both ratios have a pronounced effect on parameters associated with vertical displacement.