Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theoretically analyze an innovative form of variable bearing configuration having four pads with unique adjustability principle operated under journal misaligned conditions. The parameters such as load positions, degrees of misalignment (DM) and pad adjustment configurations influencing the steady-state performance of the four-pad adjustable bearing are detailed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed adjustable pad geometry possesses the ability to undergo radial and tilt motions in both inward and outward directions. Analysis is carried out by considering journal misalignment in vertical and horizontal planes with bearing modelled for load-on-pad and load-between-pad configurations. The film thickness equation derived to incorporate the radial and tilt adjustment parameters is further modified to accommodate the different load orientations and misaligned journal conditions. The pressure field equation is solved by applying finite-difference technique combined with Gauss Siedel iterative method.

Findings

At higher DM, peak pressures generated in the minimum film thickness region near the pad ends highly influences the bearing load carrying capacity. Results indicated that the adjustable four-pad bearing geometry is highly efficient in withstanding the journal misalignment by radially displacing and tilting the four pads in negative directions.

Originality/value

For bearing designers, this research highlights the importance of considering the misalignment factor during the design stages of an adjustable journal bearing. The proposed adjustability concept is proven to be effective enough to improve the bearing performance and, in turn, withstand the journal misalignment.

中文翻译：

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轴颈不对中对带可调节元件的创新轴颈轴承静态特性的影响

目的

本文的目的是从理论上分析一种创新形式的可变轴承配置，它具有四个轴瓦，具有独特的可调节原理，可在轴颈错位条件下运行。本文详细介绍了影响四轴瓦可调轴承稳态性能的参数，如负载位置、不对中度 (DM) 和轴瓦调整配置。

设计/方法/方法

建议的可调垫几何形状具有在向内和向外方向上进行径向和倾斜运动的能力。分析是通过考虑轴颈在垂直和水平平面上的不对中来进行的，轴承为垫上载荷和垫间载荷配置建模。为结合径向和倾斜调整参数而导出的薄膜厚度方程得到进一步修改，以适应不同的载荷方向和轴颈错位情况。采用有限差分技术结合Gauss Siedel迭代法求解压力场方程。

发现

在较高的 DM 下，在轴瓦端附近的最小油膜厚度区域产生的峰值压力对轴承承载能力有很大影响。结果表明，可调四轴瓦轴承几何结构通过径向移动和向负方向倾斜四个轴瓦来有效承受轴颈不对中。

原创性/价值

对于轴承设计师而言，这项研究强调了在可调轴颈轴承设计阶段考虑不对中因素的重要性。事实证明，所提出的可调性概念足以有效提高轴承性能，进而承受轴颈不对中。