Sinusoidal three-lobe bearings-optimization and stability charts

In contradistinction to the commonly used segmented three-lobe bearing, another type of bearing, i.e., the sinusoidal three-lobe bearing has been investigated in this paper. The main advantage of this bearing is that it can very easily be manufactured. Special attention has been paid to problems of optimization with regard to minimum film thickness and friction, respectively. Stiffness and damping coefficients have been calculated as well as stability regions and stability parameters. Additionally, the optimum position of the oil grooves has been investigated.