Numerical and experimental investigation of textured journal bearings for friction reduction

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 195; p. 109643
• Main Authors: Profito, F.J., Vladescu, S.C., Reddyhoff, T., Dini, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-07-2024
• Subjects: Journal bearings; Lubrication; Numerical simulation; Surface texture; Numerical simulation; Surface texture; Lubrication; Journal bearings
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2024.109643

This work investigates the mechanisms for friction reduction in textured journal bearings. The measured friction of laser-etched connecting-rod big-end shells was compared with a non-textured reference under engine-like conditions. Experiments covered several working conditions, and the friction and lubricant film temperatures were measured for three texture configurations. The origin of the verified friction reduction was explored using a numerical model that simulates the hydrodynamic lubrication and global thermal effects. The simulation results accurately matched the friction measurements, revealing that the microscopic mechanisms of reduction in lubricant shear stress and effective viscosity due to texture-induced cavitation act simultaneously to reduce the friction coefficient for the textured shells. The findings have practical applications for the optimal design of textured hydrodynamic bearings.
•Friction in textured journal bearings was experimental and numerically investigated.•A journal bearing model with thermal effects was validated using experimental data.•Textures reduced the lubricant shear stress and viscosity and lowered friction.•The shear area reduction mechanism for textured hydrodynamic bearings was confirmed.