Effect of turbulence on the static performance of a misaligned externally adjustable fluid film bearing lubricated with couple stress fluids

Static analysis of a misaligned externally adjustable fluid-film bearing is carried out thereby including turbulence and couple-stress effects in lubricants blended with polymer additives. A modified form of Reynolds equation, incorporated with the theory of micro-continuum and the concept of adjustability, is solved numerically, for various simulated operating conditions. The effects of turbulence and couple-stress on key performance parameters are presented.This study predicts that, an externally adjustable fluid-film journal bearing operating with negative adjustment configuration and lubricants with couple-stress, results in superior load carrying capacity with reduced friction and end leakage, as compared to a conventional partial arc bearing.

► The effects of turbulence, misalignment and couple stress on static performance are presented.
► Modified Reynolds equation incorporated with micro-continuum concept of adjustability is used.
► This equation is solved numerically, for various simulated operating conditions.
► Negative adjustment and lubricants with couple-stress, results in reduced friction and end flow.
► This operating condition also results in better load carrying capacity.