Transient-mixed lubrication model numerically for friction and wear of journal bearings under heavy load during start-up

Purpose Friction and wear are very important factors in predicting the performance of journal bearings, particularly under heavy load in start-up processes. However, there are few relevant studies on the numerical model. This study aims to establish a transient-mixed lubrication model to predict the performance of journal bearings, focusing on the friction and wear behavior under heavy load during start-up. Design/methodology/approach The average Reynold equation, three-dimensional energy equation, shear stress model for friction and Archard model for wear are coupled in the transient model by finite difference method. The linear wear simulation method is bought out to reduce the update times and the calculation time. Findings The different start-up accelerations and linear wear times set are compared and discussed, which indicates a reasonable start-up acceleration is necessary for journal bearings under heavy load during start-up, and setting linear wear times is an effective method to reduce the simulation time significantly. Furthermore, the wear profile in the start-up process spreads in both the clearance and circumferential directions, but mainly in the clearance direction, which increases the minimum film thickness and affects the friction performance. Originality/value This study is of great significance for the numerical prediction of the transient performance of journal bearings during start-up considering friction and wear.