Multi-objective optimization of surface textured journal bearing by Taguchi based Grey relational analysis

•Multiobjective optimization of surface texturing is carried out for performance characteristics of journal bearing.•Significance of texturing parameters is studied by using ANOVA.•Numerical analysis is carried out by using thin film flow analysis method by COMSOL Multiphysics.•Optimal condition for performance characteristics is obtained by using Grey Relational Analysis method.

A multi-objective optimization approach is used to determine the optimal surface texturing parameters to improve performance of journal bearing. The numerical attempts are made using Taguchi's orthogonal array L27. Initially, static performance analysis is carried out for plain bearing system using thin film analysis by COMSOL Multiphysics and the results are validated with the literature. In the later part, analysis of load carrying capacity and frictional torque is carried out for different parameters of surface texturing. The bearing performance is studied for various groove parameters viz.groove location, groove height, groove width, number of grooves and spacing between grooves. Grey relational analysis is used to find an optimal set of parameters which gives maximum load carrying capacity and minimum frictional torque.