Conical hydrostatic journal bearings for high speeds

Abstract

Conventional conical hydrostatic bearings are compared with less conventional three-recess and four-recess designs for operation in hybrid hydrostatic/hydrodynamic mode. Design implications are discussed with reference to operation at either low or high speeds. Conical spindle bearings are chosen for this study because they offer a compact arrangement that allows both radial load support and axial load support. While there is wide availability of design data for separate thrust and cylindrical journal bearings, there are very little data for conical bearings. This paper reviews the design of conical bearings and extends from previous knowledge into hybrid performance at high speeds. It is shown that long narrow recesses provide larger radial load support compared to long wide recesses for higher speeds. Sample data are provided for design of single cone bearings and also for opposed cone bearings. The data provide for radial and axial loads applied in combination for a selection of cone angles. Data are also provided as a guide for flowrate in the concentric bearing state and for effects on temperature rise.