Optimization of externally pressurized bearings for minimum power and low temperature rise

This paper discusses selection of suitable values for hydrostatic bearing design variables with a view to minimizing power dissipation and reducing the temperature rise. It is suggested that there is an optimum still width ratio for any bearing and that the optimization process is most conveniently carried out by reference to a dimensionless optimization parameter, SH. At optimum conditions hydrodynamic lift is always small in comparison to hydrostatic load support irrespective of speed.