Performance Characteristics of Compliant Journal Bearings

Abstract

This investigation of compliant journal bearings is directed toward the fundamental behavior characteristics which are necessary when compliance is factored into the final design. Analytical determintation of performance characteristics are shown as a function of the bearing flexibility. As the deformation coefficient increases, load capacity decreases, the cavitation angle and friction coefficient increase, attitude angle may increase or decrease, stability is improved for attitude angles less than 0.8, and minimum film thickness will occur near the two sides of the bearing.