Effect of Volume Percentage of Nanoparticles Added to the Lubricant on the Performance Characteristics of the Hydrodynamic Textured Journal Bearings

Performance of journal bearings as one of the common parts of industrial machines, especially rotary systems, are affected by any change in the nature of the lubricant as well as changes in geometric structure. The production of Nano fluids and textured surfaces to improve fluid and structural interaction in various mechanical systems, including bearing supports, has been provided by the recent technology advancements. In this regard, the effects of the depth of the cylindrical texture and the addition of 〖TiO〗_2 Nanoparticles on the steady state performance of hydrodynamic journal bearings are investigated in present study. Analysis is done by rewriting the governing Reynolds equation due to changes in the film thickness of the lubricant affected by the surface texture and the relative viscosity of the oil according to volume percentage of added nanoparticles. Analysis is done using the finite element method. Results show that the maximum pressure, load carrying capacity and friction increase by enhancing the volume percentage of the nanoparticles, and vice versa these characteristics are reduced by increasing the depth of surface textures created on the bearing shell and the corresponding imprisoned Nano lubricant film thickness.