Finite Element Simulation of Performance Characteristics of Infinitely Wide Plane Pad Slider Bearing
The paper describes the results of a numerical study using Galerkin’s finite element method on an infinitely wide slider bearing. The analysis is based upon the generalized Reynolds equation with the assumption that the pressure gradient in the lubricating film is negligible in the axial direction. Detailed results for bearing characteristics including pressure, load capacity, frictional force, frictional coefficient as a function of film thickness ratio (aspect ratio), and velocity of slider show that these parameters have a strong influence on the bearing behavior. Specifically, it has been shown that friction coefficient and frictional force increases with lower aspect ratios. Also, higher load carrying and maximum pressure is obtained with increased speed of the slider Point wise comparison of the results obtained using the Finite Element Method and that obtained with second order Finite Difference marching Method using base parameters show that the latter simulation has a maximum point wise error of 0.46% in comparison to 0.32% for Finite Element simulation. It has been shown that the Finite Element Method produces more accurate results. The results are in tabular and graphical forms.