Abstract
A computer program which solves the Reynolds equation for a journal bearing in conjunction with an energy balance equation has been developed.
In this program, distributions of pressure and temperature are obtained iteratively, to satisfy finite difference forms of both equations simultaneously. The pressure distribution is integrated numerically to yield non-dimensional parameters of load, friction torque, oil flow, and peak pressure. The average outlet temperature and corresponding viscosity are evaluated, and the difference between relating the load parameters to the inlet or to the outlet viscosities is illustrated.
An examination of the influence of the numerical parameters on the values of the above performance para-meters, and on the overall heat balance, is used to justify the numerical accuracy of the method.
A simple method of determining the effect of mixing the circulating heated oil with the cool inlet oil is de-scribed. This mixing improves the comparison of computed and experimental results.
A range of values of journal speed, inlet viscosity, and index of viscosity variation are examined, and the influence of these on the performance parameters of the bearing is shown.
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