Multiscale Modelling and Analysis on the Heavy-duty Hydrostatic Journal Bearing for a Precision Press Machine

Abstract The present study aims to predict the performance of hydrostatic journal bearings during steady-state operation through multiscale modelling and analysis. An innovative multiscale modelling approach is presented for numerical modelling and analysis of the hydrostatic journal bearing as configured and designed, particularly for the precision press machine. With the challenging environment for journal bearings under hydrostatic pressures and surface features, elastic modulus of oil and viscosity-temperature characteristics are often neglected while against heavy-loading and precision engineering requirement. This research takes into account of oil elastic modulus and viscosity-temperature characteristics to investigate the intrinsic relationship between the pressures within the hydrostatic bearing and its surface texture, feature size and locations being considered. This paper concludes with a further discussion on the potential and application of the approach in precision engineering.