Investigating journal bearing characteristics incorporating variable viscosity, couple-stress lubricant, slip-velocity, magnetic fluid, and sinusoidal surface-texturing

Abstract

This study contributes to the practical understanding of journal bearings by comprehensively exploring the impact of variable viscosity, sinusoidal surface texturing, slip velocity, magnetic fluid, and couple-stress lubricants on the pressure distribution. Utilising the Barus variable viscosity formula, incorporating ferrofluid as a magnetic lubricant, and employing the Finite Difference Method for numerical analysis, this research reveals insights such as increased load-carrying capacity and pressure distribution in textured bearings. The results indicate that a small distance ratio and high magnetic parameters increase magnetic pressure. Textured bearings increased the load-carrying capacity and pressure distribution by approximately 246 % and 165 %, respectively. In addition, the magnetic, couple-stress, piezo-viscosity, and maximal slip parameters increase the load. Reducing the bearing attitude angle improves the load-carrying capacity. The magnetic parameter increases the attitude angle, as does the slip parameter. High values of the couple-stress parameter reduce friction, particularly in the presence of a textured surface, and the presence of a textured surface amplifies this effect. The study highlights the influence of magnetic, couple-stress, piezo-viscosity, and slip parameters on the bearing's performance, offering valuable insights for optimising journal bearing designs and operations in various engineering applications.

Keywords

• Textured surfaces
• Load-carrying capacity
• Pressure distribution
• Variable viscosity
• Couple-stress parameter
• Magnetic effects