A BOUNDARY-ELEMENT CAVITATION ALGORITHM

In this paper, a new numerical algorithm is presented to predict gaseo us cavitation in various fluid film bearings. Elrod's universal differ ential equation is transformed into a generalized boundary integral eq uation, which is valid throughout both the full film and the cavitated regions. The mathematical development of the algorithm couples the bo undary discrete element and internal integral cell techniques. A compu ter code for linear elements is developed. Three types of bearings, a parabolic slider bearing, a submerged journal bearing, and a grooved j ournal bearing, are investigated. The results are compared with those obtained by use of the finite difference method. The advantage of the algorithm is clearly demonstrated by its computational accuracy and so lution speed.