Performance of membrane compensated multirecess hydrostatic/hybrid flexible journal bearing system considering various recess shapes

The paper describes a theoretical study concerning the performance of an externally pressurized multirecess hydrostatic/hybrid flexible journal bearing system by varying the geometric shape of recess and using the membrane flow valve restrictor as a compensating element. The four different recess geometries of the bearing studied in the present study are a square recessed bearing, a circular recessed bearing, an elliptical recessed bearing and a triangular recessed bearing. The equation governing the flow of lubricant in a journal bearing together with 3D elasticity equation and restrictor flow equation are solved by using the Finite Element Method. The study describes the effect of recess shape, bearing flexibility and a method of compensation on the performance characteristics of a hydrostatic/hybrid journal bearing system. A comparative performance of the membrane compensated hydrostatic/hybrid journal bearing system has also been studied vis-à-vis capillary, orifice and constant flow valve restrictors. The results presented in this study amply demonstrate that the shape of recess/pocket of a hydrostatic/hybrid flexible journal bearing system affects the performance of the bearing quite appreciably and a proper selection of recess shape along with a suitable compensating device is needed to get an improved performance from the bearing.