Study on lubrication characteristics of multi-layer structure hinge under the influence of clearance dynamic

This paper presents a methodology for investigating the lubrication characteristics of multi-layer structural mechanical hinges based on clearance dynamics. By multi-layer hinged structures, we mean the four mediums: the journal, lubricating oil film, bearing sleeve, and connecting rod. Initially, a dynamic model that incorporates clearance is established using the automatic dynamic analysis of mechanical systems, revealing that the primary contact area is located between 50° and 70°. Subsequently, a lubrication model for the multi-layer structural mechanical hinge is constructed using ANSYS FLUENT software, which demonstrates the effects of critical parameters—such as contact angle, sleeve installation angle, inlet pressure, and shaft neck speed—on lubricant flow, pressure, and void fraction. The findings indicate that the motion offset angle significantly influences the pressure distribution within the oil film area, with high-pressure and low-pressure zones oriented counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively, relative to the offset angle axis. Furthermore, as the distance between the offset angle and the oil inlet increases, the volume fraction of cavitation decreases from 1.77% to 1.16%. When the sleeve installation angle aligns with the motion offset, the volume fraction of cavitation reaches 1.9%. Conversely, when the assembly angle aligns the oil inlet hole with the injection hole, the volume fraction of cavitation is minimized to 0.36%, resulting in an approximate performance improvement of 81.11%. This study provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing the lubrication design of multi-layer structural mechanical hinges and offers substantial guidance for the lubrication of mechanical hinges.