Study of Pocket Pressure and Load Bearing Capacity in Pocket Type Hydrostatic Bearing Under Rotation

A general 2D code is developed to study the performance characteristics of pocket type hydrostatic bearing (HSB). The code involves solving the Reynolds equation at the land regions and correcting the pocket pressures to obtain mass balance at the pocket. The pocket pressure for a four pocket bearing under static condition is estimated and validated with the literature results. With increase in the eccentricity of the HSB, the pocket pressure increases in one pocket and decreases in other three pockets. Under static condition, the pocket pressure is symmetric. The effect of attitude angle and eccentricity on the pressure distribution of HSB under static condition is studied. The effect of rotation on the pocket pressure and load bearing capacity is also studied. The pressure developed due to the dynamic action of the bearing alters the symmetric pressure distribution observed in a static bearing. The load capacity increases with increase in rotation. The pocket pressure also increases with increase in speed, which exceed the supply pressure of the bearing.