Analysis of Non-Newtonian Lubricant Flow in Textured Hydrodynamic Plain Bearings: Comparison with Untextured Surfaces
Abstract:
The performance of hydrodynamic plain bearings is strongly influenced by the rheological behavior of the lubricant and the surface texture of the bearing. In recent years, numerous studies have investigated the complex fluid–struc ture interactions involving rotors, bearings, supports, and lubricating media in rotating machinery such as turbines and electric motors. These interactions become even more intricate when non-Newtonian lubricants are considered, due to their viscosity dependence on shear rate and temperature. In this work, a comprehensive parametric numer ical investigation is conducted to analyze the behavior of a non-Newtonian lubricant within a hydrodynamic plain bearing featuring a textured surface. The numerical simulations are performed using the CFD computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The governing equations, based on the Navier–Stokes and continuity formulations, are solved to evaluate the influence of texture geometry, lubricant rheology, and operating conditions on the hydrody namic pressure distribution and load-carrying capacity. The results demonstrate that surface texturing significantly enhances the hydrodynamic pressure and improves lubrication performance when compared to a smooth bearing. Furthermore, the non-Newtonian nature of the lubricant leads to an overestimation of pressure peaks and a more uniform film thickness distribution, contributing to improved bearing stability and reduced frictional losses. These f indings highlight the combined benefits of surface texturing and non-Newtonian fluid behavior for optimizing the design of high-performance hydrodynamic bearings used in advanced rotating systems.
