TURBULENT-FLOW HYDROSTATIC BEARINGS - ANALYSIS AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

A bulk-flow thermohydrodynamic (THD) analysis for prediction of the st atic and dynamic performance characteristics of turbulent-flow, proces s-liquid hydrostatic journal bearings (HJBs) is presented. The film-av eraged momentum transport and energy equations replace the lubrication Reynolds equation, and fluid inertia on film lands and at recess edge s are preserved in the analysis. Flow turbulence is accounted through turbulence shear parameters based on friction factors derived from Moo dy's formulae. Numerical predictions are compared successfully to expe rimental results from a five-recess, turbulent-flow, water-lubricated hydrostatic bearing operating at a high rotational speed. HJBs operati ng in a hydrob mode (i.e. with journal rotation) provide no better sta bility characteristics than hydrodynamic journal bearings and are like ly to show half-speed whirl.