Sergei Glavatskih

Two-dimensional CFD-analysis of micro-patterned surfaces in hydrodynamic lubrication

Results of a numerical study of the influence of micro-patterned surfaces in hydrodynamic lubrication of two parallel walls are reported. Two types of parameterized grooves with the same order of d ...

Novel halogen-free chelated orthoborate–phosphonium ionic liquids: synthesis and tribophysical properties

We report on the synthesis, characterisation, and physical and tribological properties of halogen-free ionic liquids based on various chelated orthoborate anions with different phosphonium cations, both without halogen atoms in their structure. Important physical properties of the ILs including glass transition temperatures, density, viscosity and ionic conductivity were measured and are reported here. All of these new halogen-free orthoborate ionic liquids (hf-BILs) are hydrophobic and hydrolytically stable liquids at room temperature. As lubricants, these hf-BILs exhibit considerably better antiwear and friction reducing properties under boundary lubrication conditions for steel-aluminium contacts as compared with fully formulated (15W-50 grade) engine oil. Being halogen free these hf-BILs offer a more environmentally benign alternative to ILs being currently developed for lubricant applications.

Boron in Tribology : From Borates to Ionic Liquids

Boron compounds are widely used in a range of tribological applications such as friction modifiers, antioxidants, antiwear additives, and in many cases as environmentally friendly lubricants. The chemical nature and structure of boron compounds provide multifunctionality. They are used as (1) solid lubricants such as boric acid and hexagonal boron nitride, (2) liquid lubricants such as ionic liquids, (3) lubricant additives such as borate derivatives of various organic and inorganic compounds, and (4) coatings such as cubic boron nitride and different metal borides. Boron is also one of the most favorable elements for coatings and thin films in biotribological and biomedical applications. This review outlines the growing role of boron in lubrication over the past several decades, summarizes the main findings, and identifies future challenges related to boron chemistry.

Computational fluid dynamics analysis of a journal bearing with surface texturing

An analysis of a lubricated conformal contact is carried out to study the effect of surface texture on bearing friction and load carrying capacity using computational fluid dynamics. The work focuses on a journal bearing with several dimples. Two- and three-dimensional bearing geometries are considered. The full Navier—Stokes equations are solved under steady-state conditions with a multi-phase flow cavitation model. The coefficient of friction can be reduced if a texture of suitable geometry is introduced. This can be achieved either in the region of maximum hydrodynamic pressure for a bearing with high eccentricity ratio or just downstream of the maximum film for a bearing with low eccentricity ratio. An additional pressure build-up produced as a result of the surface texture has been shown at low eccentricity ratios.

Pressure buildup mechanism in a textured inlet of a hydrodynamic contact

A flow analysis is carried out for an inclined slider bearing with the aim of showing the governing mechanism at conditions where an optimum in load carrying capacity is achieved. The effects of surface texture on pressure buildup and load carrying capacity are explained for a textured slider bearing geometry. Numerical simulations are performed for laminar, steady, and isothermal flows. The energy transferred to the fluid from the moving wall is converted into pressure in the initial part of the converging contact and into losses in the second part. The convergence ratio can be increased, in order to get the greatest pressure gradient, until the limiting value where flow recirculation begins to occur. The texture appears to achieve its maximum efficiency when its depth is such that the velocity profile is stretched at its maximum extent without incurring incoming recirculating flow. The wall profile shape controlling the velocity profile can be optimized for many hydrodynamic contacts.

The Significance of Oil Thermal Properties on the Performance of a Tilting-Pad Thrust Bearing

This paper is a report into an experimental and theoretical investigation of the effect of oil thermal properties on the performance of a tilting-pad thrust bearing. Three oils, namely poly-α-olefin, ester and mineral base, were chosen for this study. These oils all have same viscosity grade (ISO VG46) but differ in their rates of viscosity variation with temperature and in their heat capacity and thermal conductivity values. Mineral base oil of a higher viscosity grade (ISO VG68) was also analyzed for comparison. Experimental data were obtained from an equalizing tilting-pad thrust bearing with an outer diameter of 228.6 mm operating in a flooded lubrication mode. Simultaneous measurements of pad and collar temperatures, friction torque, pressures and oil film thickness were taken. In the tests, oil supply temperature and flow rate were held constant for all load-speed combinations. The theoretical analysis of oil performance was based on a three-dimensional TEHD model. In the analysis, thermal effects were locally taken into account and heat transfer into the pads was considered. The displacements of the active surface of the pads, due to pressure and temperature fields, were determined. The effect of initial pad crowning on the oil film thickness is discussed. Experimental and theoretical results are compared and analyzed in terms of the inlet and outlet oil film thickness, bearing operating temperature and power loss.

TEHD Analysis of Thrust Bearings With PTFE-Faced Pads

Results of a combined theoretical and experimental investigation into the operation of thrust bearings with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-faced pads are reported. Bearing performance is analyzed i ...

A method of temperature monitoring in fluid film bearings

In the present paper a method to improve temperature monitoring of fluid film bearings is described. The method is tested in an industrial tilting pad thrust bearing. Test results for steady state and transient operating conditions are reported. Temperatures monitored by a thermocouple through the utilisation of the proposed method are compared to those measured by thermocouples in the pad backing and in the collar. The method is also tested on a PTFE-faced bearing. Test results show that the proposed method improves sensitivity to thermal transients in conventional babbitted bearings and provides adequate means of temperature monitoring in the PTFE-faced bearings.

A FEM approach to simulation of tilting-pad thrust bearing assemblies

Finite-element method (FEM) modelling is applied to analysis of the performance of hydrodynamic tilting-pad thrust bearing assemblies. A 3D model of the bearing assembly that includes the bearing pad and shaft is used to assess the influence of operating conditions on bearing parameters such as temperature and oil film distributions across the pads. The model is first applied to the investigation of a spherically pivoted-pad. Through comparison with results from experiments carried out on just such a bearing, good correlation between the model and experimental results is found for maximum oil film temperature, pressure distribution and thickness. The model is then applied to the examination of a bearing having spring-supported babbitt pads. The effect of different oil types on a spring-supported thrust bearing is analysed. Further application of the model to investigate the same spring-supported pad, this time with a resilient surface coating, is discussed.

Evaluating Thermal Performance of a PTFE-Faced Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing

This paper compares and analyses operating characteristics of equalizing tilting pad thrust bearings with babbitt and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite facings. Each bearing arrangement included six pads with an outer diameter of 228.6 mm and 60 percent offset. The babbitted bearing was typical of design in general use. A PTFE composite was applied instead of the babbitt to a similar bearing. Bearings were tested at different load-speed combinations in the fully flooded mode. Pad temperature distributions, collar temperatures and bearing friction torque were continuously measured. Test results show that the PTFE composite provides excellent thermal insulation so that pad thermal crowning is eliminated. PTFE-faced bearings operate with lower power loss and slightly higher collar temperatures compared to similar babbitted bearings.