The Effect of Aerated Oil on the Load Capacity of a Plain Journal Bearing©

The load capacity of a plain journal bearing is calculated using newly derived analytical models for the density and the viscosity of aerated oil. The results show that oil aeration can double the load capacity of plain journal bearings. This is due to a doubling of the effective oil viscosity caused by the surface tension of the entrained air bubbles. The compressibility of the aerated oil is found to have little effect on load capacity. Physical explanations of these results are offered.