A mathematical model of the hydro-support: an elasto-hydrostatic thrust bearing with mixed lubrication

A mathematical model for a new type of navigation lock-gate support, the hydro-support, is presented. The hydro-support is a hydrostatic bearing, elastically connected to the lock-gate by a rubber hinge and sliding on an elastic polymer track. The model incorporates the pertinent physical aspects of the hydro-support, including the elastic deformation of the track, the bearing and the rubber hinge and the mixed lubrication between the bearing and the track. A calculation using this model on a typical hydro-support shows the contribution of the load carried by contact on the total load and the resulting increase of the friction forces.