Controlling the Dynamic Characteristics of a Hydrostatic Bearing by Using a Pocket-Connected Accumulator

This paper describes a theoretical and experimental investigation of the dynamic characteristics of a capillary-compensated oil-lubricated hydrostatic bearing which has an accumulator connected to the bearing pocket via a second capillary restrictor. Results show that by careful selection of accumulator and restrictor the bearing can be tuned to give an optimum system performance. Such a facility can be of considerable use if the hydrostatic bearing is being used to support other machinery, for example in the support of journal bearings used with flexible rotors. By tuning the hydrostatic bearing dynamic characteristics, optimum rotor support impedance might be achieved thereby giving the engineer some control over system resonances and stability.