Effects of texture arrangement and texture shape on the static characteristics of a four-lobe bearing

This study investigates the effects of texture on the static characteristics of a four-lobe bearing in turbulence flow state. Three texture arrangements and four texture shapes are considered. By solving the coupled oil film thickness equation and Reynolds equation, we obtain the thickness and pressure distributions of the bearing oil film and further obtain the bearing load carrying capacity (LCC) and film friction coefficient (FFC). Results indicate that the LCC increases with higher eccentricity, preload, length-to-diameter ratio, and rotating speed, while the FFC decreases. The textured bearings show decreases and stabilization in LCC with increasing texture radius. There exist optimal texture depth and texture circumferential spacing that maximize the LCC and minimize the FFC, while the texture's axial spacing has minimal impact. Case III arrangement and triangle-shaped texture notably improve static characteristics, with case III boosting the LCC by 68.70% and reducing the FFC by 39.45% and the triangle-shaped texture increasing the LCC by 165.23% and reducing the FFC by 60.17%. This study also elucidates the mechanisms of texture effects and serves as a valuable reference for the design and analysis of four-lobe bearings.