CFD analysis of carbon fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hydrodynamic journal bearing using optimization technique

This work focuses on study of tribological behavior of a commercially available polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and carbon fiber reinforced PTFE hydrodynamic journal bearing. The purpose of selection of this material is due to its low coefficient of friction and enhancement of the self lubricating properties. Performance parameters like pressure distribution, load carrying capacity and deformation of bearing are studied for various eccentricity ratios and speeds. Fluid structure interaction (FSI) coupled with Response surface optimization technique is used to get numerical results which are compared with experimental results. This approach provides a platform to predict accurate performance of hydrodynamic journal bearings considering realistic conditions. It is observed that CFD-FSI method provides a useful platform to study the combined effect of hydrodynamics and elastic behavior of the bearing. It is concluded that the deformations of the bearing are significant and should be considered in order to predict accurate performance of the hydrodynamic journal bearings.