A journal bearing simulation tool developed to aid the design of the MIT microturbo-machine bearings is described. This tool uses an orbit method with a pseudospectral technique for treating the Reynolds equation. Comparison is made to various published data. Two types of stability chart are presented and their application to turbo-machine bearing design is discussed. Simulations of imbalance, noncircular geometry, and nonuniform pressures at the bearing ends are also demonstrated.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Journal bearings, Simulation, Turbomachinery, Bearings, Bearing design, Design, Geometry, Machinery, Stability
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