A study of friction in worn misaligned journal bearings under severe hydrodynamic lubrication

An analytical model is developed in order to find the relationship among the friction force, the misalignment angles, and wear depth. The Reynolds equation is solved numerically; the friction force is calculated in the equilibrium position. The friction coefficient is presented versus the misalignment angles and wear depths for different Sommerfeld numbers, thus creating friction functions dependent on misalignment and wear of the bearing. The variation in power loss of the rotor bearing system is also investigated and presented as a function of wear depth and misalignment angles.