Analysis of mass transfer effects on the performance of journal bearings using micropolar lubricant

In this paper the static and dynamic characteristics of a finite hydrodynamic journal bearing with micropolar lubricant are analyzed. The effects of mass transfer of solid additives and contaminants in the lubricant oil, on the bearing characteristics are considered in this study. A generalized form of Reynolds equation is derived from the fluid flow equations with the effects of mass transfer across the fluid film considered. The generalized Reynolds equation is solved using Galerkin's weighted-residual finite element method to obtain the fluid pressure distribution in the bearing. The various static and dynamic characteristics are subsequently obtained and presented.