CAVITATION IN NONCIRCULAR JOURNAL BEARINGS

The effect of cavitation and the determination of the cavitation bound aries are important to obtain a realistic model of a journal bearing. A numerical investigation of cavitation in dynamically-loaded journal bearings using the mobility method is presented. The numerical procedu re incorporates an algorithm of cavitation based on the work of Elrod. Film rupture and reformation are predicted considering mass-flow cons ervation through the entire bearing. In order to improve the computing efficiency, the mobility method of Booker is applied, Results are giv en for a crankshaft bearing of the Ruston and Hornsby diesel engine wi th a perfect or a noncircular profile. (C) 1997 Elsevicr Science S.A.