The coupled elasticity and hydrodynamic equations are solved for a plane externally-pressurized bearing consisting of an elastic layer bonded to a rigid substrate. Solutions for bearing load support, flow and minimum film thickness are presented for a wide range of bearing geometries and for both compressible and incompressible lubricants. For preloaded bearings, i.e. bearings with interference fits such that the compliant surface is initially indented by the mating surface, a criterion for incipient lift-off is postulated and formulae for calculating the lift-off pressure are derived.
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