Stability analysis of partial journal bearings lubricated with micropolar fluid

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the stability performance of partial journal bearings of 120° and 180° partial angles with micropolar lubricant.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the stability characteristics of partial journal bearing, a MATLAB source code is written. To solve the Reynolds’ equation, the finite element method is used. Stability performances of 120° and 180° partial journal bearings are computed for a wide range of non-dimensional micropolar fluid parameters and working eccentricities.

Findings

The presented results provide design data for stability parameters in terms of equivalent stiffness, whirl frequency ratio, critical mass and threshold speed of the rotor with respect to eccentricities and material size of the lubricant. The stability of 180° partial journal bearing is found to be higher than 120° partial journal bearing.

Originality/value

In open literature, it is rare to find the stability of a partial journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid. Very few researchers have studied the combined effect of eccentricities and micropolar lubricant parameters on the dynamic performance of such bearings. Hence, it is important to study the dynamic stability to explore the complete investigation of the performance of partial journal bearings with micropolar fluid.