New design, analysis and performance techniques in hydrodynamic fluid film bearings

New Developments in fluid film bearings include the ability to adjust hydrodynamic performance characteristics during operation. Versions have been devised achieving this continuously by proactive means, irrespective of the loading conditions on the bearing. Such bearings offer potential future benefits in a wide range of applications. Three versions of such an adjustable hydrodynamic bearing are briefly described along with a specially written computer analysis model and a practical test rig. Practical results verified performance predicted by the theoretical model which was based on firmly established Newtonian principles, in particular the equilibrium and non-equilibrium of forces, and dynamic viscosity