Numerical simulation and experimental investigation of performance characteristics of water-lubricated radial journal bearing

Numerical simulation and analysis on the performance characteristics of the hydrostatically and hydrodynamically water-lubricated radial journal bearings are performed using the fluid analysis software FLUENT and MATLAB. Relationship between the bearing's primary parameters such as load carrying capacity, water film stiffness and the bearing's design parameters such as eccentricity ratio, supply water pressure is illustrated. It also demonstrates that water as a lubricant is not so efficient as mineral oil. Furthermore, experimental research is made on the hydrostatically water-lubricated journal bearing under different conditions. It is found that factors like radial bearing clearance, supply water pressure, running velocity all have influence on the performance characteristics of the bearing.