Analysis of orifice compensated non-recessed hole-entry hybrid journal bearing operating with micropolar lubricants

A numerical study concerning the performance of non-recessed hole-entry hybrid journal bearing lubricated with micropolar lubricants is presented. The modified Reynolds equation governing the flow of micropolar lubricant in the bearing clearance space is solved using Finite Element Method along with appropriate boundary conditions. Dependence of bearing performance characteristics upon the bearing operating, geometric and micropolar parameters, over a range, has been analyzed. The numerically simulated results are pointed to the choice of restrictor design parameter, for the chosen combination of micropolar parameters of lubricant, in order to obtain optimum values of fluid film stiffness coefficients.

► Performance of hole-entry hybrid journal bearing with micropolar lubricants has been analytically studied.
► Modified Reynolds equation for micropolar lubrication has been solved using FEM and Newton–Raphson method.
► Computed results are presented for a wide range of restrictor design parameter and external load.
► Minimum fluid film thickness increases significantly at lower value of restrictor design parameter with micropolar lubricants.
► Direct fluid film stiffness and damping coefficients gets enhanced with micropolar lubricants.