Multiphase Flow Dynamics in Lubricated Bearing Systems
Summary
Multiphase flow in lubricated bearings encompasses the complex interactions between liquid lubricant and entrained gas or vapour within the bearing cavity. Under operating conditions, oil films may entrain air, form droplets or ligaments, and undergo cavitation, all of which influence load-carrying capacity, frictional losses and thermal behaviour. The dynamics of oil–air mixtures determine lubrication regimes ranging from full-film hydrodynamic support to mixed or boundary lubrication, with direct consequences for energy efficiency and service life. Advances in computational fluid dynamics, mesh-free particle methods and high-speed measurement techniques have illuminated the formation of pressure gradients, lubricant redistribution by rolling elements and churning losses. Engineers exploit this knowledge to optimise bearing geometries, under-race oil delivery systems and surface texturing. Applications extend from aero-engine rolling bearings, where high rotational speeds demand precise oil capture, to wind-turbine and automotive drives seeking reduced friction and enhanced reliability under variable loads and temperatures.
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Multiphase Flow Dynamics in Lubricated Bearing Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in multiphase flow dynamics in lubricated bearing systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Two-phase flow: Simultaneous flow of liquid lubricant and entrained gas or vapour within a bearing cavity.
Under-race lubrication: Delivery of lubricant beneath the inner or outer raceway via nozzles or scoops to ensure adequate film formation.
Volume fraction: Proportion of a specific phase (liquid or gas) occupying a unit volume in a multiphase mixture.
Churning torque: Rotational resistance caused by viscous drag as bearing elements stir the lubricant.
Particle Image Velocimetry: Optical measurement technique that tracks seeded tracer particles to determine fluid velocity fields.
Moving Particle Semi-Implicit method: Mesh-free numerical approach representing fluid flow by interacting particles, suitable for free-surface and multiphase simulations.
References
- Investigation on two-phase flow characteristics and oil capture performance of axial oil scoop in aero-engine. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering (2023).
- Numerical simulation of ball bearing flow field using the moving particle semi-implicit method. Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics (2022).
- Fluxes in a full-flooded lubricated Tapered Roller Bearing: Particle Image Velocimetry measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations. Tribology International (2023).
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