Effects of couple stresses in the cyclic squeeze films of finite partial journal bearings

• Published in: Tribology international 2001-02, Vol.34 (2), p.119-125
• Main Authors: Lin, Jaw-Ren, Yang, Ching-Been, Lu, Rong-Fang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Couple stress fluids; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Cyclic squeeze films; Exact sciences and technology; Finite partial bearings; Friction, lubrication, and wear; Materials science; Mechanical and acoustical properties of condensed matter; Mechanical properties of solids; Nonlinear motion equation; Physics; Time-dependent loads; Treatment of materials and its effects on microstructure and properties; Tribology and hardness
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/S0301-679X(00)00147-X

Based upon the microcontinuum theory, the present paper is to theoretically study the pure squeeze-film behavior of a finite partial journal bearing with non-Newtonian couple-stress lubricants operating under a time-dependent cyclic load. To take into account the couple stress effects resulting from the lubricant blended with various additives, the modified Reynolds equation governing the film pressure is obtained from Stokes equations of motion. The film pressure is numerically solved by using the Conjugate Gradient Method. Bearing characteristics are then calculated from the nonlinear motion equation of the journal. According to the results obtained, the effects of couple stresses result in a decrease in the value of eccentricity of the journal center. The finite partial bearing with a couple stress fluid as the lubricant yields an increase in the minimum permissible clearance and provides a longer time to prevent the journal-bearing contact.