A Nonlinear-PH Method of Solution for Journal Gas Bearings

Abstract

This paper describes a method of solving the Reynolds equations governing the fluid motion in an infinite journal gas bearing. The method derives from an exact transformation of the classical equations to a quasi-linear form. The only assumption made is the isothermal one which in practice closely describes the changes in the state of the gas within the bearing. The solution to the transformed equation for ph is sought in series and there are no difficulties in taking more terms into considerations, apart from algebraic ones. A first order solution is immediately obtained and corresponds as an approximation to any of the following methods: small perturbations (Ausman [1]) Katto and Soda [2], linear-ph (Ausman [3]) Harrison [4]. A higher order solution is also presented which requires little more algebra for its derivation. The extension of the method to three-dimensional gas journal bearings is also outlined.