Application of CFD analysis for static and dynamic characteristics of hydrodynamic journal bearing

Journal bearings are one of the most important mechanical elements for the stable operation of rotors. Rotational machinery is becoming larger and more complicated in recent years, so proper design of bearings is necessary to offer stable support. However, bearings with shapes and operating conditions that can not be predicted by the conventional Reynolds equation method exist. In this paper,therefore, a prediction method of vibration characteristics of journal bearings using CFD was constructed. To calculate the dynamic characteristics, mesh morphing methods simulating two oscillating states were studied. In order to compare with the calculation results, an active oscillating rotor using magnetic bearings was constructed. As a result, the calculation results were roughly consistent with the experimental results, and a prediction method by CFD was constructed.