An Assessment of the Value of Theory in Predicting Gas-Bearing Performance

Abstract

The object of the paper is to indicate the value of theoretical investigations of hydrodynamic finite bearings under steady-state conditions. Methods of solution of Reynolds equation by both desk and digital computing, and methods of stabilizing the processes of solution, are described. The nondimensional data available from the solutions are stated. The outcome of an attempted solution of the energy equation is discussed. A comparison between some theoretical and experimental results is shown. Experimental methods employed and some difficulties encountered are discussed. Some theoretical results are given to indicate the effects of the inclusion of slip velocity, stabilizing slots, and a simple case of whirl.