Characterization of Stiffness and Damping in Textured Sector Pad Micro Thrust Bearings Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Author(s):  
Christos I. Papadopoulos ◽  
Pantelis G. Nikolakopoulos ◽  
Lambros Kaiktsis

In the present paper, a study of stiffness and damping in sector-pad micro thrust bearings with artificial surface texturing is presented, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The bearing pads are modeled as consecutive three-dimensional independent microchannels, each consisting of a smooth rotating wall (rotor) and a partially textured stationary wall (stator). CFD simulations are performed, consisting in the numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible isothermal flow. The goal of the present study is to characterize the dynamic behavior of favorable designs, identified in previous optimization studies, comprising parallel and convergent thrust bearings with rectangular texture patterns. To this end, a translational degree of freedom (DOF) along the thrust direction and a rotational (tilting) DOF of the rotor are considered. By implementing appropriate small perturbations around the equilibrium (steady-state) position and processing the simulation results, the stiffness and damping coefficients of the bearing are obtained for each DOF. The computed dynamic coefficients of textured thrust bearings are compared to those of conventional (smooth slider) designs. It is found that the dependence of bearing stiffness and damping on geometrical parameters exhibits the same trends for both DOFs. Both stiffness and damping are found to increase with bearing width. In general, increasing the bearing convergence ratio results in increased bearing stiffness and decreased damping. Finally, the present results demonstrate that properly textured parallel sliders are characterized by an overall dynamic performance that is superior to that of smooth converging sliders.

Author(s):  
C. I. Papadopoulos ◽  
P. G. Nikolakopoulos ◽  
L. Kaiktsis

In the present paper, a study of stiffness and damping in sector-pad micro-thrust bearings with artificial surface texturing is presented, based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The bearing pads are modeled as consecutive three-dimensional independent micro-channels, each consisting of a smooth rotating wall (rotor) and a partially textured stationary wall (stator). CFD simulations are performed, consisting in the numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible isothermal flow. The goal of the present study is to characterize the dynamic behavior of favorable designs, identified in previous optimization studies, comprising parallel and convergent thrust bearings with rectangular texture patterns. To this end, a translational degree of freedom (DOF) along the thrust direction and a rotational (tilting) DOF of the rotor are considered. By implementing appropriate small perturbations around the equilibrium (steady-state) position and processing the simulation results, the stiffness and damping coefficients of the bearing are obtained for each DOF. The computed dynamic coefficients of textured thrust bearings are compared to those of conventional (smooth slider) designs. It is found that the dependence of bearing stiffness and damping on geometrical parameters exhibits the same trends for both DOFs. Both stiffness and damping are found to increase with bearing width. In general, increasing the bearing convergence ratio results in increased bearing stiffness and decreased damping. Finally, the present results demonstrate that properly textured parallel sliders are characterized by an overall dynamic performance which is superior to that of smooth converging sliders.


Author(s):  
Brian K. Weaver ◽  
Gen Fu ◽  
Andres F. Clarens ◽  
Alexandrina Untaroiu

Gas-expanded lubricants (GELs), tunable mixtures of synthetic oil and dissolved carbon dioxide, have been previously shown to potentially increase bearing efficiency, rotordynamic control, and long-term reliability in flooded journal bearings by controlling the properties of the lubricant in real time. Previous experimental work has established the properties of these mixtures and multiple numerical studies have predicted that GELs stand to increase the performance of flooded bearings by reducing bearing power losses and operating temperatures while also providing control over bearing stiffness and damping properties. However, to date all previous analytical studies have utilized Reynolds equation-based approaches while assuming a single-phase mixture under high-ambient pressure conditions. The potential implications of multi-phase behavior could be significant to bearing performance, therefore a more detailed study of alternative operating conditions that may include multi-phase behavior is necessary to better understanding the full potential of GELs and their effects on bearing performance. In this work, the performance of GELs in a fixed geometry journal bearing were evaluated to examine the effects of these lubricants on the fluid and bearing dynamics of the system under varying operating conditions. The bearing considered for this study was a hybrid hydrodynamic-hydrostatic bearing to allow for the study of various lubricant supply and operating conditions. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based approach allowed for a detailed evaluation of the lubricant injection pathway, the flow of fluid throughout the bearing geometry, thermal behavior, and the collection of the lubricant as it exits the bearing. This also allowed for the study of the effects of the lubricant behavior on overall bearing performance.


2013 ◽  
Vol 365-366 ◽  
pp. 304-308
Author(s):  
Lei Wang

An analysis is conducted and solutions are provided for the dynamic performance of high speed hybrid thrust bearing. By adopting bulk flow theory, the turbulent Reynolds equation is solved numerically with the different orifice diameter and supply pressure. The results show that increasing supply pressure can significantly improve the bearing stiffness and damping, while the orifice diameters make a different effect on the bearing stiffness and damping.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (7) ◽  
pp. 160298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Suo ◽  
Erin E. Edwards ◽  
Ananyaveena Anilkumar ◽  
Todd Sulchek ◽  
Don P. Giddens ◽  
...  

To delineate the influence of hemodynamic force on cell adhesion processes, model in vitro fluidic assays that mimic physiological conditions are commonly employed. Herein, we offer a framework for solution of the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to estimate the forces resulting from fluid flow near a plane acting on a sphere that is either stationary or in free flow, and we compare these results to a widely used theoretical model that assumes Stokes flow with a constant shear rate. We find that while the full three-dimensional solutions using a parabolic velocity profile in CFD simulations yield similar translational velocities to those predicted by the theoretical method, the CFD approach results in approximately 50% larger rotational velocities over the wall shear stress range of 0.1–5.0 dynes cm −2 . This leads to an approximately 25% difference in force and torque calculations between the two methods. When compared with experimental measurements of translational and rotational velocities of microspheres or cells perfused in microfluidic channels, the CFD simulations yield significantly less error. We propose that CFD modelling can provide better estimations of hemodynamic force levels acting on perfused microspheres and cells in flow fields through microfluidic devices used for cell adhesion dynamics analysis.


2013 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. I. Papadopoulos ◽  
L. Kaiktsis ◽  
M. Fillon

The paper presents a detailed computational study of flow patterns and performance indices in a dimpled parallel thrust bearing. The bearing consists of eight pads; the stator surface of each pad is partially textured with rectangular dimples, aiming at maximizing the load carrying capacity. The bearing tribological performance is characterized by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, based on the numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes and energy equations for incompressible flow. Realistic boundary conditions are implemented. The effects of operating conditions and texture design are studied for the case of isothermal flow. First, for a reference texture pattern, the effects of varying operating conditions, in particular minimum film thickness (thrust load), rotational speed and feeding oil pressure are investigated. Next, the effects of varying texture geometry characteristics, in particular texture zone circumferential/radial extent, dimple depth, and texture density on the bearing performance indices (load carrying capacity, friction torque, and friction coefficient) are studied, for a representative operating point. For the reference texture design, the effects of varying operating conditions are further investigated, by also taking into account thermal effects. In particular, adiabatic conditions and conjugate heat transfer at the bearing pad are considered. The results of the present study indicate that parallel thrust bearings textured by proper rectangular dimples are characterized by substantial load carrying capacity levels. Thermal effects may significantly reduce load capacity, especially in the range of high speeds and high loads. Based on the present results, favorable texture designs can be assessed.


2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent G. Chapin ◽  
Romaric Neyhousser ◽  
Stephane Jamme ◽  
Guillaume Dulliand ◽  
Patrick Chassaing

In this paper we propose a rational viscous Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodology applied to sailing yacht rig aerodynamic design and analysis. After an outlook of present challenges in high speed sailing, we emphasized the necessity of innovation and CFD to conceive, validate and optimize new aero-hydrodynamic concepts. Then, we present our CFD methodology through CAD, mesh generation, numerical and physical modelling choices, and their validation on typical rig configurations through wind-tunnel test comparisons. The methodology defined, we illustrate the relevance and wide potential of advanced numerical tools to investigate sailing yacht rig design questions like the relation between sail camber, propulsive force and aerodynamic finesse, and like the mast-mainsail non linear interaction. Through these examples, it is shown how sailing yacht rig improvements may be drawn by using viscous CFD based on Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS). Then the extensive use of viscous CFD, rather than wind-tunnel tests on scale models, for the evaluation or ranking of improved designs with increased time savings. Viscous CFD methodology is used on a preliminary study of the complex and largely unknown Yves Parlier Hydraplaneur double rig. We show how it is possible to increase our understanding of his flow physics with strong sail interactions, and we hope this methodology will open new roads toward optimized design. Throughout the paper, the necessary comparison between CFD and wind-tunnel test will be presented to focus on limitations and drawbacks of viscous CFD tools, and to address future improvements.


2018 ◽  
Vol 141 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiho You ◽  
Jinmo Lee ◽  
Seungpyo Hong ◽  
Donghyun You

A computational methodology, which combines a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique and a computational structural dynamics (CSD) technique, is employed to design a deformable foil whose kinematics is inspired by the propulsive motion of the fin or the tail of a fish or a cetacean. The unsteady incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved using a second-order accurate finite difference method and an immersed-boundary method to effectively impose boundary conditions on complex moving boundaries. A finite element-based structural dynamics solver is employed to compute the deformation of the foil due to interaction with fluid. The integrated CFD–CSD simulation capability is coupled with a surrogate management framework (SMF) for nongradient-based multivariable optimization in order to optimize flapping kinematics and flexibility of the foil. The flapping kinematics is manipulated for a rigid nondeforming foil through the pitching amplitude and the phase angle between heaving and pitching motions. The flexibility is additionally controlled for a flexible deforming foil through the selection of material with a range of Young's modulus. A parametric analysis with respect to pitching amplitude, phase angle, and Young's modulus on propulsion efficiency is presented at Reynolds number of 1100 for the NACA 0012 airfoil.


Fluids ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Comes ◽  
Carlo Cravero

The present work is focused on the study of an innovative fluidic device. It consists of a two-ways diverter valve able to elaborate an inlet water flow and divert it through one of the two outlets without moving parts but as a result of a fluctuation of pressure induced by two actuation ports, or channels. Such apparatus is named Attachment Bi-Stable Diverter (ABD) and is able to work with the effect of the fluid adhesion to a convex wall adjacent to it, this phenomenon is known as Coanda Effect; it generates the force responsible for the fluid attachment and the consequent deviation. The main purpose of this work is to develop a knowhow for the design and development of such particular device. A mathematical model for the ABD has been developed and used to find the relationships between the geometrical parameters and the operative conditions. A configuration has been designed, simulated with a computational fluid dynamics approach. A prototype has been printed with and additive manufacturing printer and tested in laboratory to check the effective working point of the device.


2012 ◽  
Vol 184-185 ◽  
pp. 944-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai Jun Gong ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Xue Yi Fan ◽  
Da Ming Xu

For a clear and comprehensive opinion on segregated SIMPLE algorithm in the area of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) during liquid processing of materials, the most significant developments on the SIMPLE algorithm and its variants are briefly reviewed. Subsequently, some important advances during last 30 years serving as increasing numerical accuracy, enhancing robustness and improving efficiency for Navier–Stokes (N-S) equations of incompressible fluid flow are summarized. And then a so-called Direct-SIMPLE scheme proposed by the authors of present paper introduced, which is different from SIMPLE-like schemes, no iterative computations are needed to achieve the final pressure and velocity corrections. Based on the facts cited in present paper, it conclude that the SIMPLE algorithm and its variants will continue to evolve aimed at convergence and accuracy of solution by improving and combining various methods with different grid techniques, and all the algorithms mentioned above will enjoy widespread use in the future.


2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (28) ◽  
pp. 1291-1301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Van Wassenbergh ◽  
Peter Aerts

Most theoretical models of unsteady aquatic movement in organisms assume that including steady-state drag force and added mass approximates the hydrodynamic force exerted on an organism's body. However, animals often perform explosively quick movements where high accelerations are realized in a few milliseconds and are followed closely by rapid decelerations. For such highly unsteady movements, the accuracy of this modelling approach may be limited. This type of movement can be found during pivot feeding in pipefish that abruptly rotate their head and snout towards prey. We used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to validate a simple analytical model of cranial rotation in pipefish. CFD simulations also allowed us to assess prey displacement by head rotation. CFD showed that the analytical model accurately calculates the forces exerted on the pipefish. Although the initial phase of acceleration changes the flow patterns during the subsequent deceleration phase, the accuracy of the analytical model was not reduced during this deceleration phase. Our analysis also showed that prey are left approximately stationary despite the quickly approaching pipefish snout. This suggests that pivot-feeding fish need little or no suction to compensate for the effects of the flow induced by cranial rotation.


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