An analytical solution of Reynolds equation for evaluating the characteristics of surface textured bearing

Purpose Currently, there is a lack of fast and highly accurate on analytical solution of Reynolds equation for evaluating the characteristics of surface textured bearing. This paper aims to develop such an analytical solution of Reynolds equation for an effective analysis of the characteristics of surface textured bearings. Design/methodology/approach By using the separation of variables method and mean eigenvalue method, the analytical solution is constructed. The CFD simulations and experimental results are used to validate the correctness of the analytical solution. Findings The analytical solution can accurately evaluate the characteristics of textured bearings. It is found that the larger the eccentricity ratio and aspect ratio, the greater the oil film force. It also found that the smaller the eccentricity ratio, the larger the Sommerfeld number S. When eccentricity ratioe= 0.65, the attitude angles of different oil boundaries are same. The effect of different aspect ratios on dynamic stiffness and damping coefficient generally follows a same trend. It is numerically shown that the critical speed of rotor-bearing is 3500 rpm. Originality/value The analytical solution provides a simple yet effective way to study the characteristics of surface textured bearings.