Thermo-hydrodynamic analysis of herringbone grooved journal bearings

Steady-state and stability characteristics of herringbone grooved journal bearings (HGJBs) are found considering thermal effect. The temperature of the fluid film rises significantly due to the frictional heat, thereby the viscosity of the fluid and the load carrying capacity decrease. A thermodynamic analysis requires the simultaneous solution of Reynolds equation along with energy equation of the fluid and heat conduction equations in the bush and the shaft. The linearized first-order perturbation technique is employed for the prediction of stiffness and damping coefficients of the oil film. Thereafter mass parameter and whirl ratio are found from the stability analysis. It is difficult to obtain the solution due to the numerical instability when the bearing is operated at high eccentricity ratios. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.