Numerical Analysis for Mixed Lubrication in Journal Bearings of Rotary Compressors

We have developed an analytical method for mixed lubrication in order to predict presence/absence, location, and magnitude of solid contact under any operational conditions of a rotary compressor bearing.This analytical method provides a solution by coupling a modified Reynolds equation and an elastic contact equation in consideration of surface roughness, also considering elastic deformation of a surface of a bearing.In this paper, we present an example of an application of the analysis providing our finding in that an effect of surface roughness on a lubrication characteristic of the bearing has been known.In addition, we present an effect of improving the lubrication characteristic, when a surrounding groove is made on the bearing to deform easily the bearing surface.Furthermore, we mention a degree of occurrence of solid contact, when lubrication oil viscosity is reduced.Oil film load R A Oil film load R A Circumferential direction of bearing [deg] Axial direction z Circumferential direction of bearing [deg] Axial direction z