Hydrodynamic Conjunction of Textured Journal Surface—Bearing for Improved Frictional Response during Warm-Up of an Internal Combustion Engine

Abstract

Considerable prime global energy is used in the transport sector. Significant energy is lost to overcome the internal friction of engines in transport vehicles. Journal bearings are crucial tribo-pairs and passive components that cause energy loss. Frictional losses increase extensively during the warm-up period of an engine due to high lubricant viscosity. Recent tribological developments have shown that surface textures can be a potential solution to reduce friction. A numerical investigation is performed to evaluate the effect of surface texture on the frictional and lubrication performance of a journal bearing at varying thermal operating conditions in an internal combustion engine. Temperature variations during engine warm-up are considered with oil rheology to observe texture-based improvements. Surface texture substantially reduces frictional energy loss during engine warm-up. Eight different monograde and multigrade engine oils are considered, and consistency is observed in texture-based improved outcomes.

Keywords

• surface texture
• journal bearing
• friction
• internal combustion engines