Abstract
In this study, a hydrodynamic analysis of the reciprocating compressor crankshaft considering a finite bearing modelling of the journal bearings used in small refrigeration compressors is performed. In the problem formulation of the compression mechanism dynamics, all corresponding hydrodynamic forces and moments are considered using the finite bearing analysis in order to determine the crankshaft trajectory at each step. The solution of the Reynolds' equation is determined numerically using a finite difference method and a Newton-Raphson procedure was employed in solving the dynamic equations of the crankshaft. The crankshaft orbits fur the finite bearing model and short bearing theory were used to compare the effect of the hydrodynamic farces of the journal bearings on the dynamic and lubrication characteristics of the crankshaft-journal bearing system. Results show that the finite bearing model for the journal bearings must be considered in calculating for the accurate dynamic characteristics of the reciprocating compressor crankshaft.