Evaluation of journal bearings characteristics using finite element method

Abstract

Dynamic behavior of the rotor-bearings system exerts a considerable
influence on rotating machine operating and stability. Indeed, vibrations in
such machines may cause not only high level of noise but also wearing of
moving components. Hydrodynamic journal bearings, which are among the
best devices to prevent contacts between rubbing surfaces, are analyzed in
the present study by considering dynamic effects due to flexibility of the
lubricant fluid film. The finite element method is used to numerically
evaluate stiffness and damping coefficients of the fluid film and applications
concern performances of finite length and aligned journal bearings. Results
are compared with those obtained by an alternative method and show good
agreement.

Keywords: Journal bearings, Dynamic characteristics, Finite element