The present work is aimed at predicting the dynamic behaviour of geared transmissions supported by hydrodynamic journal bearings, similar to those used in naval propulsion. A global model of mechanical transmissions is introduced which deals with most of the possible interactions between gears, shafts and hydrodynamic journal bearings. A specific element for wide-faced gears with non linear time-varying mesh stiffness and tooth shape deviations is combined with shaft finite elements whereas the bearing contributions are introduced based on the direct solution of REYNOLDS’ equation and a simple thermal model. Because of the large bearing clearances, particular attention has been paid to the definition of the degrees-of-freedom and their datum. Solutions are derived by combining a time-step integration scheme, a NEWTON-RAPHSON method and a normal contact algorithm in such a way that the contact conditions in the bearings and on the gear teeth are simultaneously dealt with. The simulation results are compared with the measurement obtained on a high-precision test rig with single stage spur and helical gears supported by hydrodynamic journal bearings. The experimental and simulation results compare well thus validating the simulation strategy both at the global and local scales. A number of results are presented which show that parameters often discarded in global models such as the location of the oil inlet area, the oil temperature in the bearings and external couplings with mechanical parts can be influential on the static and dynamic behaviour of the system.
