Optimization transient wear and contact performances of water-lubricated bearings under fluid-solid-thermal coupling condition using profile modification

In this study, a surface profile modification method is proposed to improve the transient Wear and Asperity Contact (WAC) performance of the water-lubricated bearing under fluid-solid-thermal coupling condition. The validated numerical model is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed profile modification method. Based on numerical calculations, it is found that the profile modification method has the potential to decrease the edge wear depth and averaged asperity contact force of water-lubricated bearings, and the optimal modification width and depth are numerically determined. Numerical results indicate that a slight increase in the wear depth of the middle part of the bearing is observed if the profile modification method is employed. Furthermore, a group of parametric studies are carried out to assess the effectiveness of the profile modification method within a wide range of design parameters and operating conditions, including radial clearance, surface roughness, external load and rotational speed. Numerical results reveal that the effectiveness of the profile modification method is closely related to the design parameters and operating conditions. Generally, a relatively large profile modification depth may not be recommended. • A surface profile modification for optimizing wear behavior of water-lubricated bearing under FST condition is developed. • The optimal modification parameters are determined using the proposed numerical model. • The effectiveness of the modification method under various operating conditions are identified.