Optimum surface profile design and performance evaluation of inclined slider bearings

Abstract

The aim of the present optimization study is to propose an innovative surface profile design by implementing a wavy form on the upper surface, without varying the physical limits of the complete slider-bearing structure. Differential equations governing the fluid-film mass, Reynolds and energy equations, are solved simultaneously by the iterative transfer matrix approach, which also takes into account the streamwise decrease of lubricant viscosity. Computations indicated that friction coefficient values decrease with wave amplitude in pad inclination ranges of 0-3.77 degrees, 3.3-4.17 degrees and 3.9-4.22 degrees for inlet/exit pressure ratios of 1.01, 3.01 and 5.01 respectively. Wave number is determined to augment the complete pressure distribution inside the bearing and optimum wave number is evaluated as 25 for pressure management.