Steady-State and Dynamic Analyses of Gas-Lubricated Hybrid Journal Bearings

Abstract

The inherent limitations of load capacity and stability of hydrodynamic gas-lubricated bearings can be reduced by introducing external pressure and creating a hybrid bearing. Numerical computerized analyses of a hybrid journal bearing are discussed; separate developments are presented for steady-state and dynamic characteristics. The steady-state analysis provides performance over a wide range of operating parameters; the more complicated and lengthy dynamic analysis determines stability of the bearing-rotor system using geometry based upon steady-state results. Simplified flow charts of the computer programs are included. The analyses are applied to the preliminary design of a hybrid journal bearing.