A simulation analysis for lubricating characteristics of an oil-jet lubricated ball bearing

Abstract Lubricating characteristics of support bearings in gearboxes would greatly affect operational performances of gear transmission systems. To discuss the lubricating characteristics of oil-jet lubricated ball bearing in the gearbox, a fluid-structure coupled simulation model based on the CFD method is established. It can model the air-oil two-phase flow (AOTPF) in the bearing. The volume of fluid (VOF) approach is applied to formulate the AOTPF. The flow zone in the inside and outside of bearing is described by the slip mesh plane. It seems that the oil flow rate, lubricating oil viscosity, nozzle angle, and number of the nozzle could greatly affect the bearing lubricating characteristics in the gearboxes. The results show that the lubricating oil distribution of the internal bearing is uneven during the lubricating process. The minimum oil volume fraction (OVF) is observed near the upstream of the nozzle in the direction of bearing rotation. The average OVF and oil passing rate decrease with the increment of the bearing speed and lubricating oil viscosity. This study can provide some guidance to improve the lubricating characteristics of support ball bearings in the gearboxes.

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