Coupling of hydrodynamics and FEM with the CADFEM Extension Tribo-X inside Ansys for simulation and optimization of journal bearing shafts.
Tribo-X inside Ansys – efficient simulation of hydrodynamic journal bearings
Whether calculating bearing coefficients, bearing deformations, mixed frictions or cavitation – with Tribo-X inside Ansys, the behavior of journal bearing shafts is comprehensively represented in all its complexity. Determining the optimal dimensioning of bearings and rotors takes no time at all with Tribo-X and can be visualized directly on the CAD model in Ansys Mechanical.
Highlights at a glance
- Complete integration of journal bearing with Tribo-X in Ansys Workbench
- Short run times despite the high level of detail
- Taking into account elastic deformations of the bearing (EHD) and their effects on the gap geometry
- Complete representation of the Stribeck curve by taking surface roughnesses into account
- Identification of speed- and load-dependent bearing coefficients for further rotor dynamics analyses
- Simple execution of parameter studies though full parametric workflow

Product Description
Tribo-X inside Ansys in Detail
Tribo-X inside Ansys – calculation of hydrodynamic journal bearings under variable operating conditions
The load capacity and service life of hydrodynamic journal bearings is determined by the optimal dimensioning of shaft, bearing and bearing housing. With Tribo-X inside Ansys, fast parameter studies can be carried out in minutes, or even seconds, in order to adapt the bearing design to the different applications.

Product Highlights
- Simple and efficient simulation of the journal bearings with Tribo-X
- Higher level of detail of the CAD model with realistic visualization
- User-friendly navigation thanks to simple workflow
- Determination of own journal bearing coefficients for the rotor dynamics analysis
“Linear Rotor Dynamics” add-on module
With this module, the speed-dependent stiffness and damping coefficients of a journal bearing can be precisely calculated.
The vibration behavior of journal bearing rotors is influenced by the stiffness and damping properties of the bearing. The bearing properties depend heavily on the speed and operating load and contribute significantly to stable operation of the rotor. With this module, bearing coefficients can be determined for every operating mode and used for the subsequent rotor dynamics analysis in Ansys.
“Mixed Friction” add-on module
With this module, a hydrodynamic bearing analysis can be carried out, taking into account the surface roughnesses of bearing and shaft.
There is no such thing as “smooth” surfaces in practice. Instead, hydrodynamic journal bearings go through the mixed friction area during start-up and shut-down processes, high loads and low viscosity. In this transition area, the surface roughness of bearing and shaft play an important role. With this module, the roughness is fully taken into account, which allows complete calculation of the Stribeck curve.
HIGHLIGHTS - Tribo-X inside Ansys
- Elastic deformations of shaft
- Define moment and angle in order to Calculate tilting angle
Please also check info on update webinars at the product site.
- Migration to new Tribo-X Solver version (January 2020)
- Easier operation via new toolbar (icons, tips, grouping)
- Use of 'User Defined Result' objects for the display of the storage results
- Animation of bearing results over several load steps
- Overlay of storage results by using expressions
- Increased performance in result mapping
- Module "Linear Rotor dynamics" - Extension of the result output by the tilting stiffness and damping
- Simplified workflow to consider user-defined input data for warehouse analysis
- Simplification of licensing through central license management

All information has been prepared to the best of our knowledge. Data without guarantee.
Webinars for Tribo-X inside Ansys
Suitable for simulation engineers and designers who want to gain an initial insight into the design and scope of the CADFEM extension Tribo-X inside Ansys for calculating and simulating hydrodynamic bearings.
Seminars related to Tribo-X inside Ansys
These seminars aim at simulation engineers and designers who, as part of their product development work, are responsible for designing hydrodynamic journal bearings or determining speed-dependent bearing coefficients for assessing the vibration behavior of rotors.
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