Hydrostatic, Aerostatic, and

Hybrid Bearing Design

This page intentionally left blank

Hydrostatic, Aerostatic, and

Hybrid Bearing Design
W. Brian Rowe DSc, FIMechE
Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering,
Liverpool John Moores University
and
Consulting Engineer, Court Cottage, Moult Hill,
Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8LF, UK

AMSTERDAM BOSTON HEIDELBERG LONDON NEW YORK OXFORD

PARIS SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO SINGAPORE SYDNEY TOKYO
Butterworth-Heinemann is an imprint of Elsevier

Butterworth-Heinemann is an imprint of Elsevier

The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1GB
225 Wyman Street, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
First published 2012
Copyright 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The right of W. Brian Rowe to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing
from the publisher. Details on how to seek permission, further information about the Publishers permissions
policies and our arrangement with organizations such as the Copyright Clearance Center and the Copyright
Licensing Agency, can be found at our website: www.elsevier.com/permissions
This book and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the Publisher (other than
as may be noted herein).
Notices
Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing. As new research and experience broaden our
understanding, changes in research methods, professional practices, or medical treatment may become necessary.
Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in evaluating and using any
information, methods, compounds, or experiments described herein. In using such information or methods they
should be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, including parties for whom they have a professional
responsibility.
To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the authors, contributors, or editors, assume any liability for
any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from
any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained in the material herein.
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Number: 2012932618
ISBN: 978-0-12-396994-1
For information on all Butterworth-Heinemann publications
visit our website at www.elsevierdirect.com
Printed and bound in the United States
12 13 14 15 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Contents
Preface .............................................................................................................xi
Usual Meaning of Symbols ................................................................................ xiii
Chapter 1: Application ...................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 1
1.2 What are Hydrostatic, Hybrid, and Aerostatic Bearings? .................................... 2
1.3 When are Hydrostatic, Hybrid, and Aerostatic Bearings
Employed? ............................................................................................................. 7
1.4 Bearing Selection................................................................................................... 9
1.5 Bearing Categories .............................................................................................. 12
1.6 Commercial Applications .................................................................................... 16
1.7 Materials and Manufacture.................................................................................. 18
1.8 Aerostatic Bearings.............................................................................................. 22
1.9 How to Read and Use the Book.......................................................................... 23
References......................................................................................................................... 23

Chapter 2: Basic Flow Theory .......................................................................... 25

2.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................... 25
2.2 Viscosity............................................................................................................... 25
2.3 Density and Consistent Units .............................................................................. 27
2.4 Compressibility.................................................................................................... 27
2.5 Viscous Flow Between Parallel Plates ................................................................ 28
2.6 Combined Pressure- and Velocity-Induced Viscous Flow
in a Two-Dimensional Nonparallel Film ............................................................ 32
2.7 Flow Through Restrictors.................................................................................... 33
2.8 Recess Pressure and Pressure Ratio .................................................................... 37
2.9 Bearing Load ....................................................................................................... 39
2.10 Use of Normalized Data.................................................................................... 42
2.11 Aerostatic BearingsdSummary of Relationships ............................................ 44
References ......................................................................................................................... 48
Further Reading................................................................................................................. 48

vi

Contents

Chapter 3: Power, Temperature Rise, and Shape Optimization ............................ 49

Summary of Key Design Formulae .................................................................................. 49
3.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................... 49
3.2 Pumping Power Hp .............................................................................................. 49
3.3 Friction Power Hf................................................................................................. 50
3.4 Power Ratio K...................................................................................................... 50
3.5 Temperature Rise DT........................................................................................... 51
3.6 Minimum Power as an Optimization Criterion................................................... 53
3.7 Minimum Power for Low-Speed Bearings (K 0) ........................................... 53
3.8 Minimum Power for High-Speed Recessed Bearings ........................................ 54
3.9 Speed Parameter Sh and Optimum Value Sho ..................................................... 57
3.10 Optimization of Plain Nonrecessed Hybrid Bearings....................................... 63
References ......................................................................................................................... 63

Chapter 4: Pads: Area and Flow Shape Factors (A and B).................................. 65

Summary of Key Design Formulae .................................................................................. 65
4.1 Pad Shapes and Shape Factors ............................................................................ 65
4.2 Virtual Recesses and Dispersion Losses ............................................................. 65
4.3 Circular Pads........................................................................................................ 70
4.4 Square Pad Data .................................................................................................. 71
4.5 Rectangular Pad Data .......................................................................................... 72
4.6 Annular Recess Circular Pad Data...................................................................... 72
4.7 Conical Pad Data ................................................................................................. 73
4.8 Spherical Pad Data .............................................................................................. 75
4.9 Multi-Recess Circular Pad Data.......................................................................... 76
4.10 Multi-Recess Rectangular Pad Data.................................................................. 77
4.11 Data for Rectangular Pad with Radiussed Recess Corners .............................. 78
4.12 Data for Any Shape with Thin Constant Land Width ...................................... 79
4.13 Annular Multi-Recess Pad Data........................................................................ 79

Chapter 5: Flow Control and Restrictors ........................................................... 83

Summary of Key Design Formulae .................................................................................. 83
5.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................... 83
5.2 Bearing Film Stiffness ......................................................................................... 84
5.3 Hydrostatic Circuit Design and Sealing.............................................................. 85
5.4 Load and Stiffness of Capillary-Controlled Pads ............................................... 86
5.5 Flow Control Mechanisms .................................................................................. 90
5.6 General Stiffness Laws for Hydrostatic and Aerostatic
Bearing Pads ...................................................................................................... 102
5.7 Aerostatic Bearings and Flow Control.............................................................. 104
References ....................................................................................................................... 109
Appendix: Tabular Design Procedures for Restrictors
and Worked Examples.............................................................................................. 110

Contents vii

Chapter 6: Basis of Design Procedures ............................................................ 115

6.1 Introduction........................................................................................................ 115
6.2 An Acceptable Range for Design Pressure Ratio............................................. 115
6.3 Zero- and Low-Speed Hydrostatic Bearings..................................................... 116
6.4 Zero- and Low-Speed Aerostatic Bearings....................................................... 117
6.5 Optional Size Limits and Tolerances for Film Thickness ................................ 118
6.6 High-Speed Bearings ......................................................................................... 119
6.7 Specification for ISO Limits and Fits ............................................................... 122
6.8 Tolerance Grades for Hydrostatic and Aerostatic
Bearings ............................................................................................................. 122
References ....................................................................................................................... 124

Chapter 7: Plane Hydrostatic and Aerostatic Bearings ...................................... 125

Summary of Key Design Formulae ................................................................................ 125
7.1 Use of the Design Charts .................................................................................. 125
7.2 Choice of Land Width ....................................................................................... 125
7.3 Flow Variation with Film Thickness................................................................. 126
7.4 Load Variation with Film Thickness................................................................. 126
7.5 Stiffness Variation with Film Thickness ........................................................... 127
7.6 Single-Pad Bearings........................................................................................... 127
7.7 Equal Opposed-Pad Bearings ............................................................................ 138
7.8 Unequal Opposed-Pad Bearings........................................................................ 146
7.9 Complex Arrangements of Pads (Capillary Controlled)................................... 147
Appendix: Tabular Design Procedures ........................................................................... 154

Chapter 8: Partial Journal Bearings ................................................................ 167

Summary of Key Design Formulae ................................................................................ 167
8.1 Recessed Partial Journal Bearings .................................................................... 167
8.2 Partial Journal Bearings with a High-Pressure Supply
Groove................................................................................................................ 174
Reference......................................................................................................................... 178

Chapter 9: Recessed Hydrostatic Journal Bearings ............................................ 179

Summary of Key Design Formulae ................................................................................ 179
9.1 Introduction........................................................................................................ 179
9.2 Flow ................................................................................................................... 181
9.3 Load ................................................................................................................... 186
9.4 Power, Power Ratio, and Temperature Rise ..................................................... 191
9.5 Land-Width Ratios and Concentric Pressure Ratio .......................................... 192
9.6 Selection of Tolerances for Bearing Film Clearance........................................ 192
9.7 Selection of Supply Pressure, Viscosity, and Clearance................................... 193
9.8 Bearing Film Stiffness....................................................................................... 197
References ....................................................................................................................... 202

viii

Contents
Appendix 1: Derivation of Journal Bearing Stiffness by an Approximate
Analytical Method .................................................................................................... 202
Appendix 2: Tabular Design Procedure.......................................................................... 204

Chapter 10: Plain Journal Bearings................................................................. 207

Summary of Key Design Formulae ................................................................................ 207
Part A. Hydrostatic/Hybrid Plain Journal Bearings................................................. 207
10.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 207
10.2 Selection of Bearing Configuration................................................................. 208
10.3 Power Ratio, K................................................................................................. 210
10.4 Concentric Hydrostatic Pressure Ratio, b ....................................................... 210
10.5 Bearing Clearance and Clearance Limits........................................................ 210
10.6 Hydrostatic Load Support ............................................................................... 213
10.7 Hybrid Slot-Entry Bearings............................................................................. 215
10.8 Hybrid Hole-Entry Bearings ........................................................................... 218
10.9 Size of Slot and Hole-Entry Ports................................................................... 219
10.10 Summary of Hydrostatic and Hybrid Load Support..................................... 220
10.11 Concentric Hydrostatic/Hybrid Flow ............................................................ 220
10.12 Power and Temperature Rise......................................................................... 222
Part B. Aerostatic Plain Journal Bearings................................................................. 225
10.13 Introduction to Aerostatic Journal Bearings ................................................. 225
10.14 Concentric Aerostatic Pressure Ratio, Kgo .................................................... 225
10.15 Aerostatic Clearance and Clearance Limits.................................................. 226
10.16 Aerostatic Load Support................................................................................ 226
10.17 Concentric Aerostatic Flow........................................................................... 227
10.18 Hybrid Aerostatic Journal Bearings .............................................................. 229
10.19 Materials and Surface Texture for Journal Bearings .................................... 231
References ....................................................................................................................... 231
Appendix: Tabular Design Procedures ........................................................................... 232

Chapter 11: The Yates Bearing ...................................................................... 239

Summary of Key Design Formulae ................................................................................ 239
11.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 239
11.2 Principle of Operation ..................................................................................... 241
11.3 Basic Parameters for the Yates Bearing.......................................................... 242
11.4 Hydrostatic Design Procedure......................................................................... 250
11.5 Aerostatic Yates Bearings................................................................................ 255
11.6 Aerostatic Design Procedure ........................................................................... 256
References ....................................................................................................................... 258

Chapter 12: Conical Journal Bearings.............................................................. 259

Summary of Key Design Formulae ................................................................................ 259
12.1 Application....................................................................................................... 259

Contents ix

12.2 Basic Parameters.............................................................................................. 262

12.3 Single-Cone Bearings ...................................................................................... 264
12.4 Complementary-Cone Spindle Bearings ......................................................... 265
12.5 High-Speed Design.......................................................................................... 269
12.6 Design Procedure for a Complementary-Cone Hydrostatic Bearing ............. 269
12.7 Design Procedure for a Complementary-Cone Aerostatic Bearing ............... 272
References ....................................................................................................................... 274

Chapter 13: Spherical Bearings ...................................................................... 275

Summary of Key Design Formulae ................................................................................ 275
13.1 Application....................................................................................................... 275
13.2 Basic Parameters.............................................................................................. 277
13.3 Central-Recess Spherical Bearing ................................................................... 279
13.4 Annular-Recess Spherical Bearing.................................................................. 282
13.5 Single Multi-Recess Spherical Bearings......................................................... 283
13.6 Opposed Multi-Recess Spherical Bearings ..................................................... 283
Reference......................................................................................................................... 287

Chapter 14: Dynamics................................................................................... 289

Summary of Key Design Formulae ................................................................................ 289
14.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 289
14.2 Static Loading.................................................................................................. 290
14.3 Dynamic Loading ............................................................................................ 291
14.4 Squeeze Film Damping ................................................................................... 292
14.5 Compressibility in Hydrostatic and Aerostatic Bearings................................ 293
14.6 Dynamic Model of a Thrust Pad..................................................................... 294
14.7 Hydrostatic Thrust Pad with Thin Lands........................................................ 297
14.8 Journal Bearings: Equations of Motion .......................................................... 301
14.9 Journal Bearings in the Concentric Condition................................................ 303
14.10 Eccentric Journal Bearings............................................................................ 311
References ....................................................................................................................... 313

Chapter
15.1
15.2
15.3
15.4

15: Experimental Methods and Testing ............................................... 315

Introduction...................................................................................................... 315
Flat-Pad Rig ..................................................................................................... 316
Cylindrical Journal Bearing Rig...................................................................... 318
Publications on Experimental Behavior.......................................................... 322

References ....................................................................................................................... 322

Index ........................................................................................................... 325

This page intentionally left blank

Preface
The special qualities of pressurized hydrostatic, aerostatic, and hybrid bearings afford a simple
and convenient solution to many bearing problems experienced with particular machines.
Sometimes, the best method of achieving a specified performance is to use a hydrostatic
bearing, an aerostatic bearing, or a hybrid bearing. However, the designer is not always experienced in hydrostatic and aerostatic lubrication, and has difficulty obtaining authoritative guidance presented in a simple manner.
This book has been written with this problem in mind and is based on the authors personal
experience over many years in bearing design and testing, in running courses on this subject
for industry, and in writing articles for the technical press.
Theory is kept to an elementary level in the design sections and the book offers a useful introduction for engineers who have left academic study behind. A basic theory chapter refreshes
relevant principles of fluids. The book is also useful to students of engineering design and lubrication. There is growing awareness in universities and colleges of the importance of tribology
for reliability and effectiveness of all moving devices and mechanisms. This book covers
important sectors of thin-film lubrication and machine design.
Acknowledgements are due to many valued colleagues, particularly Dr J. P. ODonoghue, Dr K.
J. Stout, Dr D. A. Koshal, Dr F. S. Chong, Professor K. Cheng, Professor W. Weston, and Dr D.
Ives, main colleagues with whom analysis, computing, and experimental investigation were
developed. A considerable volume of experimental work undertaken over the years has contributed to understanding where theory fits with reality and, more importantly, where it diverges.
Great care has been paid to ensure accuracy in the design guidance given in this book. But,
however carefully the text has been checked, some readers may find ambiguity. The technique
of presenting and explaining principles wherever possible, followed by procedures and examples, allows the reader to cross-check intentions and overcome such problems.

W. Brian Rowe
Consulting Engineer and Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Liverpool John Moores University
2012
xi