Analysis of Diesel Engine Bearings by the Finite Element Method

The future growth in power density in diesel engines is greatly dependent upon successful design of the bearings. The traditional analytical methods cannot account for or grossly approximate many of the important features of an actual bearing operation. A new computer program has been developed which uses the finite element method for a more accurate analysis of bearing performance under actual conditions. The program can analyze the type and location of oil supply grooves, taper, misalignment, noncircularity of journals and bearings, and various crankshaft machining defects. The paper provides a broad overview of the computer program and sample results for a variety of practical bearing features.