Theory of a Radial Gas Bearing with Circular Supply Grooves

It is known that a substantial increase in the load capacity of a self-generating gas bearing can be obtained at a corresponding increase in the gas pressure on the bearing ends only. This can be realized structurally by blowing the gas into the bearing trough through two annular grooves in the bushing, by locating the grooves near by the ends, and by maintaining a constant and equal gas pressure in them. In this case, the middle section of the bearing, inclosed between the grooves, will act as a self-generating bearing, and the end sections will operate under conditions of an axial pressure drop.