Stability characteristics of an externally adjustable fluid film bearing in the laminar and turbulent regimes

This paper deals with the effect of turbulence on stability characteristics of an externally adjustable fluid film bearing having a design configuration as illustrated by Shenoy and Pai. The time dependent form of Reynolds equation is solved numerically using the finite-difference method. Linearized turbulence model of Ng and Pan is incorporated in the solution scheme. Dynamic coefficients are determined using the method of linearization of bearing reactions. A study with various adjustments predicts that a bearing with negative radial and negative tilt adjustment configuration and operating in turbulent regime results in superior stability as compared to a conventional fluid film bearing.