A Numerical Solution for the Incompressible Hybrid Journal Bearing With Cavitation

Abstract

A numerical solution is presented for determining performance for hybrid journal bearings with arbitrary clearance distribution and cavitation. Regions of cavitation are determined by solution of the incompressible Reynolds’ equation. The pressures in the cavitated regions are immediately adjusted to a specified vapor pressure with zero pressure gradient. The continuity of mass equation permits coupling the influence of the external supply circuit and the methods of recess compensation to the Reynolds’ equation. Results are presented for geometrically similar hydrodynamic, hydrostatic, and hybrid bearings. Favorable comparisons are made with previously published results for the hydrodynamic bearing.