A full 3D computational model for tilting-pad journal bearings and comparing it to 2D models

In this paper, a new model is developed to analyze a tilting pad bearing with 5 pads in a load-between-pad configuration in three dimensions. Isothermal Navier-Stokes equations with phase fraction equation for cavitation model are solved for 3D steady state simulation using the OpenFOAM package. Results show that with decrease in eccentricity, the difference between the 3D and 2D simulations increases. This is mainly due to the fluid inertia effects when entering the pads. Although applying the inertial boundary condition to the 2D model reduces the discrepancy, the difference in pressure distribution remains. Thus, at the lower eccentricity ratio, it is highly recommended to use 3D model in order to calculate pressure distribution precisely in tilting pad journal bearing. •Three dimensional steady state simulation of tilting pad journal bearing with 5 pads is performed.•Isothermal Navier-Stokes equations with additional phase fraction equation to model cavitation are used for simulation.•For high values of eccentricity, the results of 3D and 2D simulation match closely.•For low values of eccentricity, there is a noticeable difference between the 3D and 2D results for pressure distribution.•In 2D, inertial boundary condition reduces the discrepancy, however full 3D simulation is necessary for accurate results.