Session: 23-03 Oil & Rolling Element Bearings

Paper Number: 152030

Application of MPS Method for Heat Exchange Simulation in Tilting Pad Journal Bearings: Internal Cooling With Gyroid Lattice 

Tilting Pad Journal Bearings (TPJBs) are of material importance for rotating machines and are widely used in various industries, particularly in the oil & gas and energy sectors, where large rotating machinery is critical. These bearings are suitable for high-speed rotating shafts and are vital for ensuring smooth, reliable operation. In recent years, there has been a significant push to reduce the size of these machines while increasing power density, improving efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact. One effective solution is the use of internal cooling within TPJBs, which allows for reduced bearing size while maintaining the same load capacity, aligning with the trend toward higher power density and compact designs. Incidentally, this reduces also the requirements of oil feeding, improving environmental footprint. Specifically, internal gyroid lattice structures can significantly enhance cooling capacity. However, the complex geometry of these channels makes them difficult to study the heat exchange using standard CFD calculations.

This study applies the innovative Moving Particle Semi-Implicit (MPS) approach to study the heat exchange capabilities of different cooled pad designs for use in TPJBs. Performance evaluations are conducted through both simulations and experimental methods. The MPS method utilizes a Lagrangian approach, tracking individual particles to simulate fluid flow, offering a more flexible alternative to traditional control-volume techniques. This method has been successfully applied in other engineering fields, such as nuclear and marine engineering, but its application to rotordynamics offers new insights into optimizing TPJB designs.

The experimental results are used to compare different pad designs and validate the accuracy of the MPS method in this application.

Presenting Author: Ludovico Dassi Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Meccanica

Presenting Author Biography: Ludovico Dassi is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, specializing in Rotordynamics and Diagnostics of rotating machines. Current research focuses on developing advanced models to predict instability conditions in large gas turbines used for power generation. This work is supported by a PNRR grant from the European Community and Ansaldo Energia S.p.A., which includes a six-month R&D stage with Ansaldo Energia in Genova and Baden.
In addition to research activities, serves as a teaching assistant for the bachelor’s course "Mechanics of Vibrations" held in English language, and he is a visiting Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, collaborating with the Turbomachinery Laboratory.

Holding a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, with a focus on Turbomachinery and Internal Combustion Engines, and having completed an Erasmus+ exchange at INSA Lyon. Professional background includes mechanical design for the Formula SAE competition and research on bioinspired metal 3D printing for hydrodynamic bearings. Fluent in Italian, English, and French.

Several scientific articles have been published, and active participation in international conferences, such as the ASME Turbo Expo, highlights significant contributions to the field.

Authors:

Ludovico Dassi Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Meccanica
Steven Chatterton Politecnico di Milano
Matteo Marinoni Franco Tosi Meccanica
Edoardo Gheller Politecnico di Milano
Andrea Riva Politecnico di Milano
Paolo Pennacchi Politecnico di Milano