Simulation and analysis of sliding bearing durability of marine gear pump

In this paper, durability simulation analysis is conducted for marine gear pump plain bearings, with the oil film pressure simulated under varying coaxial speeds and lubrication conditions. The ICEM mesh division module under ANSYS software and the FLUENT fluid simulation module are utilized to simulate the two-phase flow problem under actual working conditions using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. Subsequently, the bearing static characteristic parameters under variable load and dual working conditions are solved to provide the key parameters required for subsequent life prediction. Through CAE simulation analysis, as outlined in the plain bearing design manual, the simulation results under different lubrication conditions at various speeds are determined, and life prediction is conducted using a strain-fatigue life prediction curve. The findings from the simulation analysis and life prediction reveal that, as the sliding bearing is a component withi n a system designed for one-time, short-term use, it meets the design life requirements. Under maintenance conditions that involve cleaning and replacing lubricating oil post-completion of equipment tasks, the sliding bearing can maintain normal operation without experiencing fatigue failure, assuming no other components or system elements fail.