A study on compliant layers and its influence on dynamic response of a hydrodynamic journal bearing

For some hydrodynamic bearing applications polymer-lined bearings are chosen over traditional metal alloy bearings due to their better wear and friction properties when operating at very thin films, e.g. in the mixed lubrication region. The introduction of a compliant layer also affects the dynamic behavior of the bearing. The influence of the liner stiffness on the dynamic response of a highly dynamically loaded journal bearing is evaluated by varying the stiffness and comparing the response. The configurations with different liner stiffnesses are evaluated on the parameters that are traditionally used to evaluate hydrodynamic bearing designs: dynamic response, maximum pressure, minimum film thickness, wear, power loss and temperature response. The primary findings are that the maximum pressures are reduced significantly and this comes at the expense of slightly higher eccentricity ratios during operation.

► Highly dynamically loaded journal bearings can benefit from a compliant liner.
► Peak pressures are reduced significantly.
► The bearing will operate at a higher eccentricity ratio and smaller film thickness.
► Wear and friction properties can be improved at mixed lubrication.