Analysis of Two-layered Porous Journal Bearing using the Brinkman Model

The present study evaluates the effects of two-layered long porous journal bearing configuration on improvement in load capacity and reduction in coefficient of friction. The Brinkman model is utilized to model the flow in the porous region. A modified form of Reynolds equation is derived considering two-layered porous region adjacent to the bearing surface. The non-dimensional pressure and shear stress expressions are obtained using the Reynolds boundary conditions. Results of non-dimensional load capacity and coefficient of friction are presented as a function of permeability and thickness of porous layers. Based on the results presented in the study, a low permeability porous layer that adheres to high permeability porous layer on bearing surface could significantly enhance load capacity and reduce coefficient of friction.