Computer Simulation of the Hydrodynamic Lubrication in A Single Screw Compressor

The hydrodynamic lubrication of the teeth of the gaterotor in a single screw compressor differs from the well-known lubrication of bearings. This difference can be related to the constrained fluid film geometry and the conditions of the lubrication. Under these circumstances the convective fluid inertia will affect the performance of the lubrication. During meshing, variations of the filmgeometry and the conditions of lubrication result in variations of the distribution of the clearances. A simulation model, based on the theory of lubrication including inertial effects, has been developed to determine the periodical variations of the distribution of clearances. Changes in design can be studied and parametric analyses can be made with this model, resulting in an optimum design.