The effect of aerated oil on the load capacity of a plain journal bearing

The load capacity of a plain journal bearing is calculated using newly deri ved analytical models for the density and the viscosity of aerated oil. The results show that oil aeration can double the load capacity of plain journ al bearings. This is due to a doubling of the effective oil viscosity cause d by the surface tension of the entrained air bubbles. The compressibility of the aerated oil is Sound to have little effect on load capacity Physical explanations of these results are offered.