Numerical modeling and analysis of journal bearing with coupled elastohydrodynamic lubrication and flexible multibody dynamics

This study deals with the modeling and analysis method for the elastohydrodynamic lubrication system such as journal bearing coupled with flexible multibody dynamics (or Multi-Flexible-Body Dynamics, MFBD) in order to analyze dynamic bearing lubrication characteristics such as pressure distribution and oil film thickness. In order to solve coupled fluid-structure interaction system, this study uses two main parts. The one is the MFBD solver and the other is elastohydrodynamic module. The elastohydrodynamic lubrication module developed in this study transmits the force and torque data to the MFBD solver which can solve general dynamic systems that include lots of rigid and flexible bodies, joints, forces, and contact elements. And then, the MFBD solver analyses the position, velocity, and accelerations of the flexible multibody system with the pressure distribution results of the elastohydrodynamic module. And the MFBD solver transmits the position and velocity information to the elastohydrodynamic solver continuously. Moreover, other functions such as mesh grid control and oil hole and groove effects are implemented. Finally, numerical examples for bearing lubrication systems are demonstrated. Copyright (c) 2010 by JSME.