Mixed Lubrication Analysis of Vane Sliding Surface in Rotary Compressor Mechanisms

Abstract

In order to investigate the effects of the elastic deformation of the vane-slot on the lubrication characteristics of the vane sliding surface in a rotary compressor, a mixed lubrication analysis considering the elastic deformation has been performed for the vane sliding surface. In this analysis, the modified Reynolds equation and the elastic contact equation, within which the influence of surface roughness is considered, are solved as a coupled problem. The elastic deformation of the vane-slot is calculated by using an FEM model with two-dimensional isoperimetric elements. By comparing the analysis results with that of a rigid-body model, the effects of the elastic deformation of the vane-slot on the lubrication characteristics were clarified. As a result, it is found that the elastic deformation of vane-slot contributes to the smooth reciprocating motion of the vane.

Keywords

• mixed lubrication
• elastic deformation
• rotary compressor
• vane
• vane-slot