Load capacity of multi-recess hydrostatic journal bearings at high eccentricities

A finite element program has been set up to evaluate the pocket pressure, load capacity and the rate of flow of the lubricant in a four pocket hydrostatic journal bearing under stationary as well as steady speed conditions. Numerical calculations have been extended to the extreme journal position which represents the eccentricity ratio close to unity. Also experimental measurements have been carried out for the particular case of a stationary journal and the results thus obtained have been compared with those numerically obtained. While confirming the previously predicted load capacity at low eccentricity ratios, the present numerical and experimental results show a higher load capacity at high eccentricity ratios close to unity.