Three-dimensional finite element analysis for thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic performances for a water lubricated bearing system

Three-dimensional liquid-solid coupling finite element analysis for thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic performances for a water-lubricated bearing system is conducted using finite element code, based on the influence coefficient method, and nonlinear optimization method. Meanwhile, the code is validated. Numerical results show that significant elastic deformation and thermal deformation, contact pressure with certain amplitude, and large temperature rise over the range of the small film thickness-roughness ratio can occur for the bearing. Therefore, the above deformation and temperature rise should be considered in designs and applications of water-lubricated bearings.