Effect of Surface Texturing on the Dynamic Characteristics of Hydrodynamic Journal Bearings

Abstract This article presents a numerical investigation on the static and dynamic behavior of hydrodynamic journal bearings with surface texturing. Five different bearing designs are examined: one smooth, one fully textured, and three partially textured. The aim is to evaluate how the distribution of surface textures influences the pressure development, the journal’s equilibrium position, as well as the system’s stiffness, damping characteristics, and overall stability. The Reynolds equation models the lubrication behavior and is solved for pressure using a finite difference approach. Stiffness and damping coefficients are evaluated through the finite perturbation method. The numerical results are validated against published experimental and computational data, showing good agreement. Among the cases studied, partial texturing in the region near maximum pressure demonstrates the most significant enhancement in the stability, marked by the highest threshold speed of instability. The study highlights the role of texture positioning and distribution in improving the stability of the journal bearing system.