Influence of Texture Geometry on the Load Carrying Capacity of Hydrodynamic Bearings

Abstract

The introduction of surface textures in hydrodynamic bearings is a technique that allows for the reduction of friction and an increase in load capacity at lower rotational speeds and smaller geometries. This work presents a systematic study of textures designed to maximize the pumping effect observed in constant-depth chevron geometry. Additionally, the load capacity is increased while considering the effects of temperature changes, which are relevant but under-studied in the literature. The studied variants include textures with changes in shape, incorporating variable depth, as well as in their distribution. The obtained results are promising, surpassing those reported in the current state of the art.