Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part J Journal of Engineering Tribology · 2006 · 118 citations · 5 references
EngineeringMechanical EngineeringFluid DynamicsFluid MechanicsHydraulicsBearing CapacityBearing DesignCavitationLoad-bearing SystemsLubrication EngineeringLubrication SystemsAmbient Pressure EffectsBearing DynamicsBearing Load CapacityBearing LubricationBearingsInlet HydrodynamicsLoad CapacityLoad-bearing Mechanisms
It is shown that a simple parallel pad bearing containing a closed pocket can support load if it operates in an ambient pressure that is appreciably in excess of the cavitation pressure of the lubricating fluid. This arises due to fluid flow driven by subambient pressures in the inlet region of the pad (‘inlet suction’). Maximum load capacity occurs when the pocket is located near the inlet to the bearing and under conditions such that cavitation is just provoked.
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