Numerical Simulations of a Simplified Aeroengine Bearing Chamber

Abstract

This research presents a comparison of several numerical multiphase approaches used to study a simple bearing chamber. Oil film thickness and scavenge efficiency are the main indicators used to quantify performance, and the models are validated against published experimental data. The test case conditions are meant to represent the transitional flow regime, which is the point at which viscous forces overcome the gravitational forces in the film. This case is particularly challenging to resolve due to high rotational speeds and large gradients in the film thickness. A novel approach was developed which couples Discrete Phase Modelling (DPM) for oil droplets, Lagrangian Wall Film (LWF) for thin-films, and Volume of Fluid (VOF) for thick-films. The technique was then used to validate two additional bearing chamber configurations: a protruded vent and a covered ramp leading to the scavenge pipe