Theoretical hydrodynamic load capacity of an axially undefined full porous journal bearing in the turbulent regime considering slip flow and curvature

Abstract

A mathematical analysis using a new generalized pressure equation is reported for the hydrodynamic lubrication of a 360° long porous metal journal bearing with arbitrary wall thickness which is press fitted in a solid housing and works with a turbulent film of newtonian lubricant. The limiting case of an axially undefined length of the bearing is considered and the axial flow of lubricant in the clearance space is neglected so that the governing differential equation is simpler to solve. Half Sommerfeld boundary conditions are used for the extent of the azimuthal film and film curvature has been included. The curvature effect of the thick porous bearing matrix is taken into account by a new direct approach in which the separation of variables is used for the first time in such a problem. The collocation technique is utilized to determine the hydrodynamic pressure from which the characteristics are evaluated. The results are fully analytical in nature, simple, yet exact and accurate, permitting easy and economical calculation of numerical data over a very wide range of parameters.