A Theoretical Analysis of Floating Bush Journal Bearing With Axial Oil Film Rupture Being Considered

A new modified Reynolds equation is derived with centrifugal force acting on the hydrodynamic oil film being considered. This equation, together with a cavitation model, is used to obtain the steady-state equilibrium and calculate the rotordynamic coefficients of lightly loaded floating bush journal bearings operating at very high shaft speeds. The bush-to-shaft speed ratio and the linear cross-coupling spring coefficients of the inner oil film is found to decrease with the increase in shaft speed as the axial oil film rupture develops in the inner oil film. The present model can give reasonable explanation to the steady-state behavior and the stability behavior of the bearing observed in actual machines.