Thermo-hydrodynamic modeling and analysis for circular bilayer self-lubricating bearing

The bilayer self-lubricating bearing can be used in complex condition, but it exhibits higher temperature—due to the lack of the external oil supply—which results in a poorer lubricating performance. Here, the thermal hydrodynamic model of the ring-face bilayer self-lubricating bearing was established. The heat generating/transfer mechanism and the pressure distribution of the oil film were discussed. Results show that the maximum temperature of the bearing system is located at the minimum film thickness of the external ring face. The heat generated by the oil film shearing is gradually transferred from the oil film to the porous medium through the heat conduction and convection. With the decrease in speed or increase in the central film thickness, the temperature decreases, thus enhancing the bearing capacities of the oil film.