elastohydrodynamic (EHD), inertia, elastic deformation, oil film thickness
Abstract
Elastohydrodynamic (EHD) journal bearings in rotating machine parts are subjected to very severe operat-ing conditions, leading to a reduction in the minimal thick-ness of the lubricating film which can generate premature wear of the contact. In this work, an analytical method of calculating the minimal thickness of the oil film was pro-posed. It takes into account the effect of the elastic defor-mations due to both hydrodynamic pressure and inertia. The elastic deformations are calculated analytically and simultaneously. The connecting – rod bearing body defor-mations was predicted under low and moderate engine regimes. The correction produced by the introduction of the effect of inertia, have shown a clear difference for the global behaviour. The method was applied for analysis of a General Motors connecting – rod bearing engine.