A decoupled approach to enhance the Elrod algorithm

The Elrod algorithm is widely used for the study of bearing cavitation problems. However, the potential instability of the algorithm makes it difficult to use in practical applications. A simplified Elrod algorithm based on a decoupled technique was developed. The new algorithm is well-regularized because the tough switch function used for the shear flow term is removed. The most significant advantage of the algorithm is the stability, unlike the traditional algorithm where the accuracy of results irregularly depends on the choice of grids. The numerical experiments, including a journal bearing and a surface-dimpled thrust bearing, show that the simplified Elrod algorithm converges consistently for all cases studied, while the traditional Elrod algorithm fails to converge for cases with a special number of grids. The simplified Elrod algorithm is considered to be a robust alternative to the traditional Elrod algorithm.