Potential of RBD palm oil as a lubricant in textured journal bearing using CFD with consideration of cavitation and conjugate heat transfer

Abstract

The revolution of tribology technology involved lubricant has driven researchers recently due to strict environmental policy. RBD palm oil has remarkable properties that can improve the performance of plain or textured journal bearings. At the same time, surface texture modification can improve journal bearing performance. The potential of RBD palm oil as an environmentally friendly lubricant in textured journal-bearing applications was investigated in this case study. ANSYS FLUENT was chosen as a method of analysis. The validation study was compared with experimental data to validate the correct approach with actual journal bearing. In addition, the cavitation model and conjugate heat transfer were considered in this case study. Results revealed that RBD Palm oil performed well when the surface texture was introduced at the divergent area as compared to convergent area and plain journal bearing. The suitable condition of textured journal bearing needs to be chosen correctly to optimize the maximum film pressure of journal bearing load and load-carrying capacity of journal bearing. The optimum condition of a textured journal bearing is when the rotational speed of the journal bearing is above 800 rpm, and the eccentricity ratio is above 0.3. In conclusion, combining the correct location of surface texture and the suitable parameter condition of journal bearing will make RBD palm oil perform well as a renewable source of lubricant in textured journal bearing applications.