Static characteristics of a fluid film bearing with TiO2 based nanolubricant using the modified Krieger-Dougherty viscosity model and couple stress model

Static characteristics of a journal bearing operating on TiO2 based nanolubricant is obtained by a variable viscosity approach. The predicted shear viscosities of TiO2 based nanolubricant at different volume fractions and aggregate particle sizes are obtained using modified Krieger-Dougherty model and are found to be in good agreement with experimental shear viscosities. The modified Reynolds equation considers the Krieger-Dougherty viscosities and couple stress effects of TiO2 nanoparticle additives at different volume fractions and particle sizes. Results reveal a significant improvement in load carrying capacity of journal bearing operating on TiO2 based nanolubricant as compared to plain oil without TiO2 nanoparticles.