Externally Pressurized Step Journal Bearings

An externally pressurized gas journal bearing which achieves its load carrying capability by utilizing flow throttling dams parallel to the direction of rotation is discussed in this paper. Test procedures and equipment used to develop this bearing concept are described. A theoretical method of determining pressure distribution and load carrying capacity for the bearing is presented and correlated with experimental data for non-rotating shafts. Experiments showing the behavior of the bearing under shaft whirl conditions are described and illustrated. Suggested ranges of the design parameters are indicated. The paper also points out advantages accruing from the design simplicity as well as the static and dynamic stability of this bearing concept.