Some Characteristics of a Full Journal Bearing Lubricated With Electroconducting Gases

Abstract

The behavior of an infinitely long journal bearing using an ionized gas lubricant in which a magnetic field is applied axially and an electric field is applied transversely to the fluid film is investigated theoretically. It is found that in the absence of an applied electric field the behavior of the bearing with the ionized gas is not much different from that of a bearing using a neutral gas even at large Hartmann numbers. However, by application of the crossed magnetic and electric fields the pressure distribution in the lubricating film can be altered significantly. Various curves showing the effect of the Hartmann, Hughes, and Harrison numbers on the pressure distribution, film load-carrying capacity, and the locus of the journal center in the bearing are presented and discussed.