Cavitation in noncircular journal bearings

Abstract The effect of cavitation and the determination of the cavitation boundaries 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 procedure incorporates an algorithm of cavitation based on the work of Elrod. Film rupture and reformation are predicted considering mass-flow conservation through the entire bearing. In order to improve the computing efficiency, the mobility method of Booker is applied. Results are given for a crankshaft bearing of the Ruston and Hornsby diesel engine with a perfect or a noncircular profile.