Design of Hybrid Hydrostatic/Hydrodynamic Journal Bearings for Optimum Self-Compensation Under Misaligning External Loads

Abstract

A method to design hybrid hydrostatic/hydrodynamic journal bearings, with the criterion of optimized self-compensation under misaligning loads, is presented. An analysis considering laminar and turbulent flow of a Newtonian incompressible lubricant between the bearing and a misaligned shaft, with restricted lubricant supply to each recess, is discussed. The mathematical model considers the modified steady-state Reynolds lubrication equation, an exact function for the local bearing radial clearance with a misaligned shaft, the continuity integral–differential equations at the recess limits, and boundary conditions at the cavitation zone and outer limits. The finite-difference method was used, and a modular computer program was developed. The procedure follows a univariate search to determine the optimum size and position of recesses and therefore obtain the design with the maximum reactive moment under misaligning loads. A validation of the model was obtained comparing the results with experimental and calculated data from the literature. Results for a 4 + 4 LBP hybrid bearing design are presented.