Engine Bearing Contact Pressure Simulations with Thermal Effects

A numerical procedure to determine the contact pressure between the engine bearing and block is presented in this paper. As examples, the pressure distributions for both the cast iron and aluminum blocks are calculated. The variations of the contact pressures at different temperatures are also studied. Numerical results indicate that the retention of the bearing is accomplished primarily by the high contact pressure around the bearing edges for grooved bearings. A force diagram explaining this phenomenon is provided. In addition, a simple equation evolving from elasticity theory is included for a quick determination of the contact pressure.