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.