The Influence of Finite-Wall Conductance on Load Capacity of the Magnetohydrodynamic Slider Bearing

Abstract

An analysis is presented which considers the influence of finite-wall conductance on the pressure distribution and load capacity of the magnetohydrodynamic slider bearing. The analysis is based on general external loading conditions with the open-circuit condition being a special case. The load capacity is a linear function of the quantity Φ = Es /V By and the dependence of Φ on the conductivity and thickness of the walls is shown in explicit form. Curves showing the variation of Φ with wall conductance are presented. A numerical example is included which indicates a substantial reduction of load capacity from the case of insulating walls to the case where the wall conductivity is 1 percent of the fluid conductivity.