Turbulent Lubrication Theory—Application to Design

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the existing turbulent lubrication theories and their application to fluid film bearing design. The differences between and limitations of the alternative approaches are discussed. Design information is stressed rather than fluid mechanics fundamentals, but the basic concepts are dealt with in an appropriate manner in order to give the designer a feel for the nature of the problem. The quantitative predictions of the various theories are compared for the case of a plane inclined slider bearing. Finally, some outstanding questions and possibilities are considered.