Linear stability analysis of finite hydrodynamic journal bearing under turbulent lubrication with coupled-stress fluid

Several researchers have observed that to satisfy modern day’s need, it is essential to enhance the characteristics of journal bearing, which is used in numerous applications. Moreover, the use of Newtonian fluid as a lubricant is diminishing day by day, and the use of Non-Newtonian fluids is coming more into picture. Furthermore, if turbo-machinery applications are taken into account, then it can be seen that journal bearings are used for high speed applications as well. Thus, neglecting turbulent conditions may lead to erroneous results. Hence, this paper aims to present focuses on studying the stability characteristics of finite hydrodynamic journal bearing under turbulent coupled-stress lubrication.

First, the governing equation relevant to the problem is generated. Then, the dynamic analysis is carried out by linear perturbation technique, leading to three perturbed equations, which are again discretized by finite difference method. Finally, these discretized equations are solved with the help of Gauss-Seidel Iteration technique with successive over relaxation scheme. Consequently, the film response coefficients and the stability parameters are evaluated at different parametric conditions.

It has been concluded from the study that with increase in value of the coupled-stress parameter, the stability of the journal may increase. Whereas, with increase in Reynolds number, the stability of the journal decreases. On the other hand, stability increases with increasing values of slenderness ratio.

Researches have been performed to study the dynamic characteristics of journal bearing with non-Newtonian fluid as the lubricant. But in the class of non-Newtonian lubricants, the use of coupled-stress fluid has not yet been properly investigated. So, an attempt has been made to perform the stability analysis of bearings with coupled-stress fluid as the advanced lubricant.