Improved Method for Numerical Solutions of the General Incompressible Fluid Film Lubrication Problem

Abstract

A numerical analysis for determining performance characteristics of hydrodynamic, hydrostatic, or hybrid bearings with arbitrary clearance distribution is presented. Solution of the Reynolds lubrication equation for incompressible fluids is achieved by formation of coefficient matrices that act upon column vectors of the pressures progressively from one boundary to the other without requiring an iterative scheme. Multiple recesses are handled by component solutions. The external supply system is included and solved for an arbitrary type of individual recess compensation and supply circuit network. Sample results are indicated.