Solution of the Elastohydrodynamic Finite Journal Bearing Problem

Finite-element techniques are applied to solve the elastohydrodynamic finite journal bearing problem. Reynolds’ equation for the fluid film and the three-dimensional elasticity equations for the bearing housing are solved simultaneously using a unique iteration scheme. The analysis yields the pressure distribution and the displacement distribution which satisfy the elastohydrodynamic requirements of realistic three-dimensional bearing geometries. From these distributions, important information such as the stresses in the bearing material and the minimum film thickness in the lubricant can be calculated. In the calculations it is assumed that the bearing operates with a constant-property lubricant and a linearly elastic bearing material. The solution procedure is applied to a typical problem and numerical results are presented.