Application of a Finite Element Quasi-3D Solution of the Energy Equation to the TEHD Analysis of Dynamically Loaded Journal Bearings

Taking advantage of the quasi-three-dimensional (quasi-3D) solution of the energy equation in the lubricant film presented in a previous work, a new method for analyzing the lubrication of dynamically loaded bearings is proposed. Cavitation is taken into account with a mass-conserving formulation of the hydrodynamic problem, where viscosity variations through the oil thickness are considered. The heat exchanged by the lubricant film with the bearing and the shaft is computed. Hence the thermo-elastic expansion of both the journal and the sleeve can be considered, together with the mechanical deformations of the bearing.