Analysis of Step Journal Bearings—Infinite Length, Inertia Effects

This paper analyzes infinitely long centered and eccentric step journal bearings using finite elements. Step inertia and turbulence effects are included. The analysis is verified by comparison with other theoretical and experimental results for centered step bearings. Results of a parametric study for the centered case considering both turbulence and step inertia effects predict optimum step geometrics similar to those predicted by pure laminar theory. Neglecting the pressure drop due to inertia forces at the step, but including the effects of turbulence around the bearing, produces errors less than 10 percent in both load capacity and dynamic coefficients for Reynolds numbers less than 1500. This analysis concludes that finite length step bearings with oil lubricants may be adequately analyzed without taking into account step inertia effects. Presented at the 33rd Annual Meeting in Dearborn, Michigan, April 17–20, 1978

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