Study on the static characteristics of high-speed water-lubricated journal bearings considering thermal and cavitation effects

Abstract The influence of thermal and cavitation effects on the static characteristics of high-speed water-lubricated journal bearings are investigated in this study. Considering the transfer of momentum and energy on the gas-liquid interface, the generalized Reynolds equation and energy equation are established. Based on the theoretical model, the bearing static characteristics are calculated and analyzed. According to the calculation results, the cavitation effect reduces bearing maximum temperature and increases bearing load-carrying capacity. The simulation results of friction power loss are overestimated under isothermal conditions. The leakage flow rate was decreased as a result of the cavitation effect.