Thermohydrodynamic analysis of journal bearings with nanofluid lubrication

• Grant number: 12/16400-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2012
• End date: June 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Nicoletti
• Grantee: Henrique Borges Garcia
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Journal bearings are widely used in industry as a supporting mechanism of shafts and rotors. Usually, this kind of bearing is lubricated with mineral or synthetic oil, and the static and dynamic properties of the bearing are strongly defined by the properties of the lubricating fluid. In thermal sciences, nanofluids have been developed aiming at increasing the efficiency of heat exchangers by enhancing the heat exchange coefficient of the fluid. Hence, the present project focuses on the numerical investigation of the resultant effects of using nanofluids as lubricating fluids in journal bearings. The increase in thermal conductivity of the fluid can result in operational advantages in comparison to conventional fluids (oil), e.g. higher bearing loading capacity or better temperature distribution along the bearing.(AU)