Hydrodynamic Bearings Design

Lecture 26 Engineering 473 Machine Design

Governing Equation
In the previous lecture, the momentum and continuity equations were used to develop the following equation
3 h (x ) dp dh (x ) = 6U x dx dx

This equation was generalized to include lubricant flow in both the circumferential and longitudinal directions
3 3 ( ) ( ) h x dp h x dp dh (x ) = 6U x dx z dz dx

This equation is generally solved using specialty computer programs.

Design Variables
Independent Variables Viscosity, Load, P (W/projected Area) Speed, N Dimensions r, c, , and L Dependent Variables Friction, f Temperature rise, T Volumetric flow rate, Q Minimum film thickness, ho

The objective of the design engineer is to select the independent variables necessary to achieve desired performance criteria. The dependent variables will be dictated by the selections made for the independent variables.

Graphical Data
Raimondi and Boyd (1958) did extensive numerical studies on the relationships between the various parameters that govern the design of fluid film bearings and published graphical data to facilitate the design of such bearings. The charts presented in this lecture are for long bearings with =360o (full bearings). Albert Raimondi and John Boyd, A Solution for the Finite Journal Bearing and Its Application to Analysis and Design, Parts I, II, and III, Transactions of American Society of Lubrication Engineers, Vol. 1, No. 1, in Lubrication Science and Technology, Pergamon, New York, 1958, 159-209.

Viscosity-Temperature Charts
The viscosity of lubricants used in fluid-film bearings are very temperature dependent. As work is done on the fluid as it moves through the bearing it heats up. The viscosity used in the design/analysis of a fluidfilm bearing should be based on the average temperature.
Shigley, Fig. 12-11

Average Temperature
Tout = Tin + T Tave = Tin + Tout 2

Tave

T = Tin + 2

An initial T is estimated at the start of an analysis. Iteration will be required based on the actual T.
Shigley, Fig. 12-11

Sommerfeld Number
The Sommerfeld Number is used extensively in journal bearing design. r c N P journal radius clearance dynamic viscosity rotational speed (rev/sec) bearing load/projected area

r N S= c P

Note that consistent units must be used. The unit for the Sommerfeld number is Rev.
A. Sommerfeld, Zur Hdrodynamischen Theorie der SchmiermittelReibung, Z. Math. Physik, vol. 50, 1904, pp 97-155.

Example Problem
Given design parameters: SAE 30 Oil Tin = 150 oF N = 30 rev/sec W = 500 lb r = 0.75 in c = 0.0015 in L = 1.50 in (oil inlet temperature) (journal rotational speed) (total load acting on bearing) (journal radius) (clearance between journal and bearing) (length of bearing)

Use the Raimondi-Boyd charts to determine the bearing performance parameters.

Step 1 Estimate Average Lubricant Temperature

Assume a temperature rise in the oil of 34oF.

Tave

T = Tin + 2 34F = 150F + = 167F 2

Tave

Step 2 Find Average Viscosity

= 2.2 reyn

Shigley, Fig. 12-11

Step 3 Compute Force/Projected Area (P)

W 500 lb P= = 2 r L 2 0.75 in 1.5 in P = 222 lb/in 2

Step 4 Compute L/D and Bearing Characteristic Number

1.5 in = 1.0 L/D = 2(0.75 in) r S= c
2

N P
2

0.75 in = 0.0015 in S = 0.0743

2.2x106 lb sec/in 2 (30 rev/sec) 2 222 lb/in

Step 5 Find Minimum Film Thickness and Eccentricity

h0 = 0.28 c = e = 0.7 c

Contact

Light Load
Shigley, Fig. 12-14

Step 5 Continued
h0 = 0.28 c => h 0 = 0.28(0.0015 in ) = 0.00042 in = e = 0.72 c

=> e = 0.72(0.0015 in ) = 0.00108 in

Step 6 Find Position of Minimum Film Thickness

= 44 degrees

Step 7 Find the Maximum Film Pressure

P = 0.36 Pmax Pmax = 222/0.36 = 617 psi

Step 8 Find Location of Maximum Pressure = 18

p max

po = 65

Shigley Fig 12-21

Step 9 Find Coefficient of Friction

r f = 2.5 c 0.0015 in f = 2.5 0.75 in f = 0.005

Step 10 Find Horsepower Required to Overcome Friction

W r

T = f Wr T (in - lb ) = 63,000

ff = f W

Pwr(hp) N (rev/min )

T = 0.005 500 lb 0.75 in T = 1.88 in - lb

T (in lb ) N (rev/min ) Pwr(hp) = 63,000

63,000 Pwr = 0.054 hp

( 1.88 )(30 60 ) Pwr =

Step 11 Find the Lubricant Flow Rate

Q = 3.5 r c NL Q = 3.5 r c N L

Q = 3.5 (0.75 in )(0.0015 in ) (30 rev/sec)(1.5 in )

3 in Q = 0.177

sec

Step 12 Find Side Flow Leakage

Qs = 0.8 Q
3 in Qs = 0.8 0.177

sec

3 in Qs = 0.142

sec

Step 13 Find Temperature Rise of Lubricant

It is assumed that all of the frictional energy is converted to heat and carried away by the lubricant.

  =Q W f  = T W f f  =m  c T Q
p

Tf = f W r = 2 N  = Q m 2 f W r N T = Q c p

Tf T =  cp m

Temperature Rise
(Continued)

2 f W r N T = Q cp
f = 0.005 W = 500 lbf r = 0.75 in N = 30 rev/sec c = 0.42 BTU
p

sec 9,338lbf in = BTU T = 16.4 F

Note that a temperature rise of 34 oF was assumed when the average temperature was estimated. The analysis needs to be repeated with an improved estimate for Tave.

3 in Q = 0.177

lbf R

= 0.86 H 2O
3 ft lb f = 62.4 3 3 ft 1728 in

Assignment
A journal bearing has a diameter of 3 in and is 1.5 in long; it supports a load of 800 lbf. The journal speed is 600 rev/min and the radial clearance is 0.0025 in. Find the minimum oil-film thickness and the maximum film pressure for both SAE 10 and SAE 40 lubricants if the operating temperature is 150 oF. Discuss why one has a larger film thickness than the other.