Heat transfer simulation in an industrial journal bearing using VOF method

Abstract

Heat transfer in a hydrodynamic journal bearing is investigated. Three-dimensional, two-phase, transient, and laminar flow of oil and air inside the bearing is simulated. In order to determine the thermal boundary condition of the outer walls of the bearing, the turbulence airflow around the bearing is simulated. The geometric model of the bearing and its surrounding is produced. Due to the complexity of the geometry, the computational domain is divided into several parts and a structural grid is generated. The volume of fluid method is used to simulate the two-phase flow. The temperature distribution is obtained by solving the energy equation. Results show that the maximum temperature occurs in the oil film and the temperature in the upper region of it is high. Temperature distribution in the bearing shows that the high-temperature oil is available in the vicinity of the leakage pipes. The overall results show that the lubrication and cooling are performed well, and in order to increase the heat transfer, there is no need to increase the oil level and change its hydrodynamics.