Prediction of Acoustic Emissions of Turbocharger Bearings

Turbochargers are progressively used in modern automotive engines to enhance engine performance and reduce energy loss and adverse emissions. Use of turbochargers along with other modern technologies has enabled development of significantly downsized internal combustion engines. However, turbochargers are major sources of acoustic emissions in modern automobiles. Their acoustics has a distinctive signature, originating from fluid-structure interactions. The bearing systems of turbochargers also constitute an important noise source. In this case, the acoustic emissions can mainly be attributed to hydrodynamic pressure fluctuations of the lubricant film. The developed analytical model determines the lubricant pressure distribution in the floating journal bearings used mainly in the modern turbocharges. This allows for an estimation of acoustic emissions. The use of such an analytical approach is computationally efficient when compared with full numerical analysis approaches, whilst also providing reliable predictions. The results from the developed analytical model are used to determine the power loss as well as sound pressure levels generated in the turbocharger bearings due to oil flow which can be correlated with the acoustic emissions of turbochargers.