Calculation of dynamic coefficients for fluid film journal bearings

Abstract

An analytical method for calculating the stiffness and damping coefficients for journal bearings is briefly reviewed with author's contributions. These coefficients are required for stability calculations of rotor-bearing systems. The Reynolds equation governing the pressure field within a bearing is obtained by simplifying the Navier-Stokes equations in Cartesian coordinates. It is then solved analytically using the short bearing approximation to obtain pressures in the fluid film. Integration of the pressure obtained by the solution of the Reynolds equation defines the bearing forces and the corresponding dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients of short circular bearings. The results presented in this work can be used in the stability calculations of rotor systems with short circular bearings.