Hydrodynamic Lubrication of Narrow Press-Fitted Porous Metal Bearings

Abstract

An analysis is made of the performance of narrow porous metal bearings (e.g., sintered bronze powder) which operate with a full film of lubricant. The configuration considered is that in which the bearings are pressed tightly into housings with their ends remaining open to the atmosphere. A solution for the lubricant pressure is obtained which satisfies Reynolds’ equation in the film and Laplace’s equation in the porous metal. Expressions are developed which give the Sommerfeld and Ocvirk numbers, attitude angle, and coefficient of friction as functions of eccentricity ratio, permeability parameter, and thickness-to-length ratio. The results are shown graphically for situations of practical importance.