A Solution for the Finite Journal Bearing and its Application to Analysis and Design: I

The first in a series of papers which are directed towards facilitating the analysis and design of journal bearings. By employing computer techniques, numerical solutions of Reynolds' equation are obtained for centrally-loaded bearings having arcs of β = 360°, 180°, 120° and 60° for the widely used case of L/D = 1. Assumptions are based on constant viscosity and no film rupture. Performance curves are presented which eliminate the need for side leakage factors; the ease of application of the charts is shown by two illustrative problems. The effect of changing such design parameters as bearing clearance is illustrated.