Fluid Inertia Effects on the Load Capacity of Spherical Spiral Groove Bearings

Abstract

The effects of centrifugal force on the load capacity of inwardly and outwardly spherical spiral groove bearings, operated in laminar regime and lubricated with incompressible fluid, have been investigated. The narrow groove theory has been generalized to include the centrifugal effect of lubricant. The analysis demonstrates that the fluid inertia force reduces the load capacity of an inwardly pumping bearing, whereas it increases the load capacity of an outwardly pumping bearing. The theoretical results are compared with the experimental ones.