Evaluation of the wear resistance of the modified radial bearing design considering the compressibility and viscosity of the micropolar lubricant

Abstract

The research includes the development and analysis of a mathematical model of the micropolar lubricant flow in the working gap of a modified design of an infinite radial sliding bearing, taking into account compressibility and the effect of pressure on the rheological properties of the lubricant. Considering the lubricant compressibility, the authors took into account the dependence of the viscosity and density of the lubricant on high pressure. Under typical conditions of radial bearings, significant loads can cause changes in the properties of the lubricant, which affects its ability to form a stable lubricating film. Therefore, the introduction of compressibility parameters into the model allows more accurately predicting the behavior of the lubricant and the effectiveness of lubrication in various operating modes. The new model has been developed by the well-known equations of the flow of a micropolar lubricant, the continuity and the state equation. A comparative analysis of the numerical result of theoretical models and experimental research is carried out. Thus, the research represents a significant contribution to the field of radial bearings sphere. The obtained results can be used for further improvement of bearing designs, which allows increasing their reliability and durability of mechanical engineering.