Using the Finite Area Method to Solve Textured Hydrodynamic Bearings in OpenFOAM

Abstract

The Finite Area Method (FAM) solves governing equations by discretizing them on a surface mesh, as a two-dimensional extension of the Finite Volume Method (FVM). The main advantage of this technique is that it reduces the number of elements needed to represent the domain, allowing for greater refinement in regions of interest. This paper shows the implementation on the OpenFOAM ® platform of a FAM-based calculation tool for solving the two-phase Reynolds equation, which describes the pressure field, and the transport equation, which describes the fraction of liquid lubricant present in the hydrodynamic bearing. The implementation of this technique allowed studies to be carried out focusing on the fluid dynamic behavior on microtextured surfaces, which otherwise require a large number of elements, increasing calculation times. The results obtained are compared with experimental results available in the literature, showing excellent agreement.