A Theoretical Investigation of the Multileaf Journal Bearing

The finite-element method is used to solve the compressible Reynolds equation which governs the fluid flow between the journal surface and the leaves in a multileaf journal bearing. The solution obtained is then coupled with the load-deflection equations of the leaves to obtain such information as liftoff speed and minimum film thickness. In addition, the load-deflection equations yield the initial preload on the journal, the startup torque, the stiffness coefficients, and the equivalent damping coefficients. Such details as leaf curvature, friction between leaves, and between leaves and journal surface are considered in the load-deflection equations. Results are obtained for a wide range of operating parameters.