Performance Analysis of Short Journal Bearing under Thin Film Lubrication

The steady state performance analysis of short circular journal bearing is conducted using the viscosity correction model under thin film lubrication conditions. The thickness of adsorbed molecular layers is the most critical factor in studying thin film lubrication, and is the most essential parameter that distinguishes thin film from thick film lubrication analysis. The interaction between the lubricant and the surface within a very narrow gap has been considered. The general Reynolds equation has been derived for calculating thin film lubrication parameters affecting the performance of short circular journal bearing. Investigation for the load carrying capacity, friction force, torque, and power loss for the short circular journal bearing under the consideration of adsorbed layer thickness () has been carried out. The analysis is carried out for the short bearing approximation using Gumbel’s boundary condition. It has been found that the steady state performance parameters are comparatively higher for short circular journal bearing under the consideration of adsorbed layer thickness than for plain circular journal bearing. The load carrying capability of adsorbed layer thickness considered bearing is observed to be high for the specified operating conditions. This work could promote the understanding and research for the mechanism of the nanoscale thin film lubrication.