Numerical simulation of hydrodynamic lubrication phenomenon in thrust bearing with cavitation

A mixed computational model is presented to evaluate the hydrodynamic lubrication phenomenon of spiral grooved thrust bearing (SGTB). With cavitation effects taken into account, this model is developed with a high-level capability for describing the hydrodynamic lubrication phenomenon of SGTB. For design parameter and operation condition, the model includes the influence of lubricated medium, shear rate and lubricant layer, which could ensure the computational accuracy. Meanwhile, the correctness and effectiveness of simulation model are demonstrated by the published experiment data. In addition, the lubrication characteristics of SGTB reveal the correlation property between design parameters and hydrodynamic response.