An investigation on the lubrication characteristics of floating ring bearing with consideration of multi-coupling factors

Abstract The paper investigates the static and dynamic lubrication parameters of the floating ring bearing (FRB). Modified lubrication models considering the effects of various coupling factors are proposed. Multiscale methods are exploited to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the calculation. The simulation procedures are developed to analyze the lubrication performances. Theoretical results agree well with the references. Influences of clearance ratio, vertical load and rotating speed on the static lubrication parameters and the dynamic lubrication parameters of the inner oil film and the outer oil film are investigated systematically. Changing rules of the lubrication parameters are summarized and concluded. The clearance ratio has influences on the lubrication performances of the inner film while has no influences on the outer film. The vertical load has influences on the lubrication performances of the bearing. The conclusions are applicable to such floating ring bearing with the similar structures.