Quantitative Analysis of Reynolds and Navier–Stokes Based Modeling Approaches for Isothermal Newtonian Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication

2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leoluca Scurria ◽  
Tommaso Tamarozzi ◽  
Oleg Voronkov ◽  
Dieter Fauconnier

Abstract When simulating elastohydrodynamic lubrication, two main approaches are usually followed to predict the pressure and fluid film thickness distribution throughout the contact. The conventional approach relies on the Reynolds equation to describe the thin lubricant film, which is coupled to a Boussinesq description of the linear elastic deformation of the solids. A more accurate, yet a time-consuming method is the use of computational fluid dynamics in which the Navier–Stokes equations describe the flow of the thin lubricant film, coupled to a finite element solver for the description of the local contact deformation. This investigation aims at assessing both methods for different lubrication conditions in different elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) regimes and quantify their differences to understand advantages and limitations of both methods. This investigation shows how the results from both approaches deviate for three scenarios: (1) inertial contributions (Re > 1), i.e., thick films, high speed, and low viscosity; (2) high shear stresses leading to secondary flows; and (3) large deformations of the solids leading to inaccuracies of the Boussinesq equation.

1984 ◽  
Vol 138 ◽  
pp. 379-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. P. Sdougos ◽  
S. R. Bussolari ◽  
C. F. Dewey

The flow between a shallow rotating cone and a stationary plate has been investigated using flow visualization, hot-film heat-transfer probes, and measurements of the torque required to rotate the cone against the retardation of the viscous fluid that fills the device. Theory appropriate to these experiments is also presented.An expansion of the Navier–Stokes equations is performed for small values of the single parameter $\tilde{R} = r^2\omega\alpha^2/12\nu $. (Here r is the local radius, ω the angular velocity of the cone, α([Lt ] 1) is the angle between the cone and plate, and v is the fluid kinematic viscosity.) The measurements at low rotational speeds describe a simple linear velocity profile as predicted for the laminar flow of a Newtonian fluid. At larger rotational speeds, strong secondary flows are observed. There is agreement between the laminar theory and the measured streamline angles and shear stresses for values of $\tilde{R} < 0.5$. Turbulence is observed for $\tilde{R} \gtrsim 4$.


Author(s):  
Cheng-Hsien Chen ◽  
Yuan Kang ◽  
Yeon-Pun Chang ◽  
De-Xing Peng ◽  
Ding-Wen Yang

This paper studies the influences of recess geometry and restrictor dimensions on the flow patterns and pressure distribution of lubricant film, which are coupled effects of hybrid characteristics of a hydrostatic bearing. The lubricant flow is described by using the Navier-Stokes equations. The Galerkin weighted residual finite element method is applied to determine the lubricant velocities and pressure in the bearing clearance. The numerical simulations will evaluate the effects of the land-width ratio and restriction parameter as well as the influence of modified Reynolds number and the jet-strength coefficient on the flow patterns in the recess and pressure distribution in lubricant film. On the basis of the simulation drawn from this study, the simulated results are expected to help engineers make better use of the design of hydrostatic bearing and its restrictors.


1999 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. S. Choi ◽  
S. H. Kang

A computer code predicting the flows through the centrifugal compressor with the radial vaneless diffuser was developed and applied to investigate the detailed flowfields, i.e., secondary flows and jet-wake type flow pattern in design and off-design conditions. Various parameters such as slip factors, aerodynamic blockages, entropy generation and two-zone modeling which are widely used in design and performance prediction, were discussed.A control volume method based on a general curvilinear coordinate system was used to solve the time-averaged Navier–Stokes equations and SIMPLER algorithm was used to solve the pressure linked continuity equation. The standardk-εturbulence model was used to obtain the eddy viscosity. Performance of the code was verified using the measured data for the Eckardt impeller.


1992 ◽  
Vol 114 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Poll ◽  
A. Gabelli

The development of models for the elastohydrodynamic lubrication of rotary lip seals requires the measurement of the film thickness under a real seal. A new method has been developed for this purpose which is based on the use of lubricant oils in which magnetite particles are suspended (so-called magnetic fluids). A change in the fluid film thickness will create a change in the impedance of the coil of the measuring circuit, the magnetic flux of which is directed through the oil film of the contact area. The advantage of this technique is that minimal modifications have to be applied to the tribological system under examination. Initial measurements carried out with a model rubber lip seal provided new insight into the build-up of a lubricant film as a function of the rotary speed and allowed comparison with the results of a theoretical model for the analysis of lip seal lubrication developed in parallel.


Author(s):  
Shen C. Lee ◽  
Daying Chen

A numerical method was developed to consider the two-dimensional flowfield between impeller blades of a given geometry. Solution of the laminar Navier-Stokes equations in geometry-oriented coordinates was obtained for stream functions and vorticities. Velocities and pressures were calculated to determine the output fluid-energy head. The circumferential components of the normal and shear stresses along the blade were evaluated to give the input mechanical-energy head. Performance predictions were obtained for different load conditions. Comparisons were made with the measured velocity vectors of the flowfield of an air-pump impeller and with the measured performance of a production water pump, good agreements were reached.


Fluids ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agostino Lauria ◽  
Giancarlo Alfonsi ◽  
Ali Tafarojnoruz

Ski jump spillways are frequently implemented to dissipate energy from high-speed flows. The general feature of this structure is to transform the spillway flow into a free jet up to a location where the impact of the jet creates a plunge pool, representing an area for potential erosion phenomena. In the present investigation, several tests with different ski jump bucket angles are executed numerically by means of the OpenFOAM® digital library, taking advantage of the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS) approach. The results are compared to those obtained experimentally by other authors as related to the jet length and shape, obtaining physical insights into the jet characteristics. Particular attention is given to the maximum pressure head at the tailwater. Simple equations are proposed to predict the maximum dynamic pressure head acting on the tailwater, as dependent upon the Froude number, and the maximum pressure head on the bucket. Results of this study provide useful suggestions for the design of ski jump spillways in dam construction.


1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (4) ◽  
pp. 930-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Mosher ◽  
D. W. Childs

This research investigates the effect of varying the concentric recess pressure ratio of hybrid (combination hydrostatic and hydrodynamic) bearings to be used in high-speed, high-pressure applications. Bearing flowrate, load capacity, torque, rotordynamic coefficients, and whirl frequency ratio are examined to determine the concentric, recess-pressure ratio which yields optimum bearing load capacity and dynamic stiffness. An analytical model, using two-dimensional bulk-flow Navier-Stokes equations and anchored by experimental test results, is used to examine bearing performance over a wide range of concentric recess pressure ratios. Typically, a concentric recess pressure ratio of 0.50 is used to obtain maximum bearing load capacity. This analysis reveals that theoretical optimum bearing performance occurs for a pressure ratio near 0.40, while experimental results indicate the optimum value to he somewhat higher than 0.45. This research demonstrates the ability to analytically investigate hybrid bearings and shows the need for more hybrid-bearing experimental data.


Author(s):  
A. Tourlidakis ◽  
R. L. Elder

In this paper, a three-dimensional computational model for the solution of the time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, based on a pressure correction method and the k-ε turbulence model, is presented and implemented for the viscous flow modelling through a series of centrifugal compressors. Theoretical calculations with the current fully elliptic method are carried out and the results are compared critically with available experimental data and with results from other computational models. A radial and two backswept high-speed subsonic compressors with different geometrical and operating characteristics are analysed at design and off-design conditions. In all cases, a wake flow pattern is evident and strong secondary flows are discerned. The tip clearance effects on the relative flow pattern are found to be important and are appropriately simulated. The predictive capability of the current flow model is judged to be encouraging taking into consideration the limitations of the physical models and the numerical schemes involved in the computations.


Author(s):  
K M Guleren ◽  
A Pinarbasi

The main goal of the present work is to analyse the numerical simulation of a centrifugal pump by solving Navier-Stokes equations, coupled with the ‘standard k-∊’ turbulence model. The pump consists of an impeller having five curved blades with nine diffuser vanes. The shaft rotates at 890r/min. Flow characteristics are assumed to be stalled in the appropriate region of flowrate levels of 1.31-2.861/s. Numerical analysis techniques are performed on a commercial FLUENT package program assuming steady, incompressible flow conditions with decreasing flowrate. Under stall conditions the flow in the diffuser passage alternates between outward jetting when the low-pass-filtered pressure is high to a reverse flow when the filtered pressure is low. Being below design conditions, there is a consistent high-speed leakage flow in the gap between the impeller and the diffuser from the exit side of the diffuser to the beginning of the volute. Separation of this leakage flow from the diffuser vane causes the onset of stall. As the flowrate decreases both the magnitude of the leakage within the vaneless part of the pump and reverse flow within a stalled diffuser passage increase. As this occurs, the stall-cell size extends from one to two diffuser passages. Comparisons are made with experimental data and show good agreement.


Author(s):  
Y Wang ◽  
S Komori

A pressure-based finite volume procedure developed previously for incompressible flows is extended to predict the three-dimensional compressible flow within a centrifugal impeller. In this procedure, the general curvilinear coordinate system is used and the collocated grid arrangement is adopted. Mass-averaging is used to close the instantaneous Navier-Stokes equations. The covariant velocity components are used as the main variables for the momentum equations, making the pressure-velocity coupling easier. The procedure is successfully applied to predict various compressible flows from subsonic to supersonic. With the aid of the k-ɛ turbulence model, the flow details within a centrifugal impeller are obtained using the present procedure. Predicted distributions of the meridional velocity and the static pressure are reasonable. Calculated radial velocities and flow angles are favourably compared with the measurements at the exit of the impeller.


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