Analysis and Design of Externally Pressurized Gas Bearings

Abstract

Equations for flow rate, pressure, load, and stiffness of externally pressurized thrust and journal bearings are given for purely viscous, isothermal gas films with longitudinal or radial flow and no relative surface motion. Charts are presented by means of which the bearing characteristics can be evaluated in terms of the bearing parameter, the bearing configuration, and the ratio of supply to ambient pressure. Sample characteristics of thrust and journal bearings are established using the curves and experimental confirmation shown. A method of treating bearing films with two inlet-restricting orifices in series is described.