Effects of Housing Stiffness and Bearing Dimension on Engine Bearing Performance by Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Analysis

In modern higher power, compact and light weight automotive engines, bearing load is increasing and housing stiffness is decreasing. Consequently, the bearing performance is significantly influenced by elastic deformations of both the housing and the bearing. The effects of changing both the housing stiffness and the bearing dimension on bearing performance were studied by using the elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory on connecting rod bearings for diesel engines. [S0742-4787(11)00201-3] Keywords: Journal Bearings; Connecting Rod; Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication; Optimum Design