Based on cavitation model of Rayleigh-Plesset Equation,the influence of dimples on the cavitation distribution of lubricant in a sliding bearing was studied.Finite element models for multiple dimples with different positions and sizes were separately established. Variations of cavitated position,cavitated area and vapor volume rates were analyzed with software ANSYS 11.0.Numerical results showed that the obvious fluctuation of vapor volume rate occurs,and cavitated area decreases for dimples located in the cavitated region.Moreover,the dimple size can significantly change the cavitated position.The greater cavitated area,the smaller load-carrying capacity and the bigger friction coefficient.
