Bearings Performance Simulation with Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication (EHL) Model.

One of the main trends in engine technology is the increasing of the engine power and peak cylinder pressure and the reduction of the masses of the engine components. The increased demands for higher engine performance with low friction losses require crankshaft and connecting rod bearings to operate under more severe conditions like higher speed, loads and temperatures.

For many years, the classical hydrodynamic lubrication theory has been used to analyze the performance of the bearings. In this theory, the bearing housing is considered completely rigid. However, due to the engine trends, the bearing manufacturers have recognized the importance of considering the housing elasticity to improve the accuracy of the bearing performance analysis.

This paper presents the results of the application of one of the developed models considering elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication simulation (EHL) of a connecting rod bearing used in a diesel engine. The results of the EHL analysis are compared with the results generated by a hydrodynamic lubrication theory (HL) considering rigid housing. The influence of two geometrical bearing parameters is investigated considering the EHL model.