The Incompressible-Turbulent-Thin-Film Short Bearing With Inertial Effects

Abstract

Solutions are derived for the limiting short-bearing configuration of complete 360 deg journal bearings. The analysis draws upon an integrated form of the momentum and continuity equations, and is supported by velocity profile measurements on crossed Couette and pressure flows. Results are compared with pressure measurements made in a large scale bearing model, and are shown to account for the principal features of the pressure distribution. The contribution of inertia is discussed with regard to an experimentally and analytically predicted static instability under small displacements from the central position of the shaft.