A parametric study on bubbly lubrication of high-speed journal bearings

The influence of aerated oil on high-speed journal bearings is examined by classical thermohydrodynamic lubrication theory coupled with analytical models for viscosity and density of the air-oil mixture in the fluid-film bearing. Convection to the walls, mixing with supply oil and recirculating oil, and some degree of journal misalignment are considered. The parameters considered for the study of bubbly lubrication are oil aeration level, air bubble size, shaft misalignment and shaft speed. The results show that air bubbles can more clearly bring on increasing load capacity under high-speed operation of a plain journal bearing than under previous normal speed operation. Moreover, the load capacity may be increased more by oil aeration under the conditions of shaft misalignment and increasing speed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.