A Numerical Simulation of Temperature Distribution and Power Loss of Slider Bearings Lubricated With Fluids Having Constant Viscosity

Abstract

A numerical procedure is developed for the analysis of temperature distribution and power loss in inclined and exponentially shaped slider bearings lubricated with constant viscosity lubricants. The Reynolds equation is solved using the finite element formulation. The stream wise pressure gradient, shear stresses and flow rate obtained from post processing of the finite element solution of the Reynolds equation act as inputs when the energy equation is discretized to obtain the stream wise temperature variation. The numerical model is applied to the comparative analysis of the temperature profiles and power losses that characterize the lubricant flow in the slider configurations under focus. The results are presented in graphical form.

Keywords: Energy equation, slider, finite element, power loss, temperature, Reynolds Nomenclature