ABSTRACT
A fluid lubricated bearing model is derived for operation under extreme operating conditions, including velocity slip boundary conditions appropriate for very small bearing face separation and retention of centrifugal inertia effects. Both compressible and incompressible Reynolds equations are formulated to model the fluid film and the fluid flow characteristics are examined for the steady state case.
Coupling the fluid flow to the bearing structure, where the rotor and stator are modelled as spring-mass-damper systems, allows the dynamics to be examined when the bearing is subject to an external harmonic force. This replicates forces the bearing may be subject to when situated within a larger complex dynamical system.
