A New Transient Elastohydrodynamic (EHD) Bearing Model Linkable to ADAMS®

The new elastohydrodynamic (EHD) code developed by FEV Motorentechnik GmbH, Aachen, is designed to improve the predictability of journal bearing designs and thereby increase the reliability of safety factors in the development of highly loaded internal combustion engines. Using this tool design targets can be achieved with higher confidence levels.

The developed code may be linked to commercial multibody system (MBS) codes such as ADAMS^® while simultaneously representing the important characteristics occurring in transiently loaded journal bearings including elastic deformation, cavitation, and non-constant speed. Static deviations from ideal journal and bearing shell shapes caused by manufacturing and assembly processes can be considered and are substantially important in the evaluation of journal bearings.

Presented is an economic bearing model approach which includes elastic bearing deformations. Only a few hours of calculation time are needed to reach steady state conditions on a standard workstation.