Effect of elastic deformation of bearing liner on the performance of an inverted three-lobe pressure dam bearing

Abstract

The elasticity of liner significantly affects the performance of a hydrodynamic bearing. Study of elastohydrodynamics of some of the bearings such as circular, elliptical, offset- halves pressure dam, four-lobe pressure dam, etc. has already been reported. In this article, the effect of elastic deformation on the performance characteristics of an inverted three-lobe pressure dam bearing, which is produced by incorporating a pressure dam in the upper lobe and two relief tracks in the lower two lobes of an ordinary inverted three-lobe bearing is analyzed . The results indicate that liner flexibility considerably affects the stability of an inverted three-lobe pressure dam bearing. The minimum threshold speed decreases whereas the zone of infinite stability increases with increase in the liner flexibility.