Gas Lubricated Spherical Bearings

Abstract

The gas lubricated hemispherical bearing is considered theoretically. First, the isothermal Reynolds’ equation for a thin film between arbitrary curved surfaces is derived. The equation is then applied to a hemispherical bearing. External pressurization is considered by assuming a “point” source at the pole. The self-acting effects are studied by a perturbation analysis assuming a small displacement ratio of the journal center. Extension to moderate values of displacement ratios is treated by means of the linearized ph method. Numerical results for comparison with other bearing configurations and an earlier analysis are given.