Performance analysis of ER fluid-lubricated two-lobe hole-entry hybrid journal bearings with bionic and spherical texture surfaces optimized by genetic algorithm

Abstract

This study is done into the multifaceted world of ER (Electro-rheological) fluid-lubricated optimized textured hybrid hole-entry journal bearings to improve dynamic performance of the bearing and stability. These innovative techniques harness the dynamic properties of ER fluids in conjunction with optimized textured spherical and bionic textured surfaces to achieve enhanced performance and reliability. This study aims to explore the influence of ER fluid on the tribological behaviour and controllability of hybrid hole-entry journal bearings. Further it proposes the optimized design of bionic and spherical textured surfaces, capitalizing on their ability to influence fluid flow, load-carrying capacity, and friction reduction. The results demonstrate promising improvements in bearing performance metrics, including dynamic stability and fluid film damping, load-carrying capacity, friction reduction, and controllability, facilitated by the integration of ER fluid and the optimization of textured spherical and bionic textured surfaces. This study offers valuable insights into the potential applications of ER fluids and biomimicry-inspired textured surfaces in bearing system engineering. The inclusion of bionic textured hole-entry hybrid bearing lubricated with ER fluid improves the stability by up to 112.57 % and decrease the friction coefficient up to 23.37 %. The findings are expected to inform the design and development of high-performance hole-entry hybrid journal bearings with diverse industrial applications.