A Finite Length Bearing Correction Factor for Short Bearing Theory

Abstract

A rapid method for calculating the general nonlinear response of finite-length plain journal and squeeze film damper bearings is presented. The method incorporates a finite-length correction factor which modifies the nonlinear forces obtained from short bearing theory. The steady-state rotational, precessive squeeze, and radial squeeze forces obtained with the correction factor compare extremely well with the forces obtained from an analytic solution of Reynolds equation using a variational approach up to L/D of 1.25 and hence covers the most commonly encountered L/D ratios. The method is no more time consuming than the short bearing analysis and is especially suited to nonlinear transient analysis of flexible rotors.