Groove location for optimum performance of three- and four-lobe bearings using genetic algorithm

This paper presents the various arrangements of grooving location of three- and four-lobe oil journal bearing for optimum performance. An attempt has been made to find out the effect of different configurations of three- and four-lobe oil journal bearing by changing groove locations. The Reynolds equation is solved numerically in a finite difference grid satisfying the appropriate boundary conditions. Determination of optimum performance is based on maximization of non-dimensional load, flow coefficient and mass parameter and minimization of friction variable using genetic algorithm. The optimum groove locations arrived at are not at symmetrical position, which is the current practice. The present analysis is carried out and results are obtained for ellipticity ratio equal to 0.5.