[aja1345]

Hi,
I am simulating a spherical groove bearing….e.g. A bearing that has spiral grooves on the ball…(Please see the following figure)...One of the most interesting features of a spherical spiral-groove hearing is that it is capable of taking up a radial load as well as an axial load.



There is a kind of lubricant between ball and cup, so as to prevent metal-to-metal contact (Full film lubrication theory). The dimension of groove and gap between ball and cup are in (mm) and (micron).

Also, please see this reference.


This bearing has two pump effect and leakage effect inside the grooves. For the ideal bearing, It should be: pump effect=leakage effect >>> (so as to prevent metal-to-metal contact). The model is as follows (the model and mesh are created in Gambit):








This bearing has displacement in X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction (this simulation needs using UDF). But firstly, I am simulating this problem without the displacement (this simulation doesn’t need using UDF). I simulated this problem (without displacement) by using the following setup:

Solver: type: pressure based and Velocity formulation: Absolute
Time: steady
Model: Standard K-e, scalable wall Function

Fluid: I changed density and viscosity based on a lubricant that there is between the ball and cup. Fluid is incompressible.

Cell zone condition: Frame motion> apply Rotational velocity

Ball: Moving wall > Rotational> relative to adjacent cell zone> apply 0 rad/s

Cup: Moving wall > Rotational> absolute > apply 0 rad/s

Inlet and outlet: inlet pressure and outlet pressure…Is this right? Is it possible to use other boundary conditions on inlet and outle?

Pressure-velocity coupling: scheme: simple

I have not any information about UDF. I am grateful that guide me in this simulation and give me useful files in these cases (UDF and simulation).



Thanks.