Non-linear analysis of finite hydrodynamic journal bearings in laminar and turbulent flow regimes

The Navier-Stokes equations were modified by adopting the non-linear turbulence theory proposed by Constantinescu to take into account the turbulent stresses. The modified equations were solved by the finite element method using Galerkin's technique and a suitable iterative procedure.The performance characteristics of a finite hydrodynamic journal bearing (aspect ratio b = 1) were studied in terms of the load-carrying capacity, non-dimensional stiffness and damping coefficients and critical journal mass at various eccentricities for Reynolds' numbers up to 13 300. The computed results are compared with those obtained using the twodimensional triangular element formulation and the linearized turbulence theory.