Effect of cavitation on the performance of a grooved misaligned journal bearing

A modified version of the Elrod cavitation algorithm, which automatically predicts film rupture and reformation in bearings, is used to analyze a misaligned grooved journal bearing. Two types of misalignment, axial (vertical displacement) and twisting (horizontal displacement), are considered. The predicted performance of the misaligned bearing is compared with available experimental and theoretical results. The analysis is performed on a line-grooved misaligned bearing for both flooded and starved inlet conditions. Effects of various degrees of starvation or higher lubricant supply pressure and bearing length-to-diameter ratio are also investigated for a particular misalignment condition.