ABSTRACT
Hydrostatic bearings provide unique design possibilities where there is an insufficient combination of sliding speed and lubricate viscosity to foster a hydrodynamic thick lubricant film to separate the loaded surfaces in relative motion. Explanations of the (1) advantages, (2) functioning, and (3) limitations of hydrostatic bearings are detailed. Extensive design chart information is provided for several hydrostatic pad configurations and flow-compensation options. A summary is provided on a recent research and development project by the author for the near elimination of acoustic noise radiated from high-pitch-line-velocity gear sets by utilizing hydrostatic bearing-support pads.
