Influence of micropolar lubricants on the performance of slot-entry hybrid journal bearing

A theoretical study concerning the slot-entry hybrid journal bearing lubricated with micropolar lubricants is presented. The modified Reynolds equation for micropolar lubricant is solved using finite element method along with equation of lubricant flow through slot-entry restrictors as a constraint together with appropriate boundary conditions. It has been observed that a slot-entry hybrid journal bearing operating with micropolar lubricant shows an increase in the value of minimum fluid film thickness and a reduction in the value of coefficient of friction as compared to a corresponding similar slot-entry hybrid journal bearing operating with Newtonian lubricant.

► The performance of slot-entry hybrid journal bearing with micropolar lubricants has been studied.
► The modified Reynolds equation based on Eringen's micropolar fluid theory is solved using FEM.
► Computed results are presented for a wide range of slot restrictor design parameter.
► Minimum fluid film thickness increases whereas coefficient of friction decreases with micropolar lubricants.
► The direct fluid film damping coefficients gets enhanced with an increase in the coupling number.