Floating ring journal bearings: theory, design and optimization

The performance characteristics and design data for journal bearings with a precise floating ring inserted between the rotating journal and a rigid housing are investigated theoretically. Based on convenient boundary conditions, a theory has been developed to predict the floating ring behaviour. Performance charts are presented with curves provided with optimum design areas to help in practical design applications. Induced ring speed, hydrodynamic behaviour, oil film variation, load capacity and frictional drag could thus be analytically or graphically determined. Results indicate that the ring dimensions are a dominant factor in deciding the final bearing behaviour and that the oil film thickness between the ring and the housing is much thinner than that between the journal and the ring. The floating ring bearing showed less frictional power loss than a fixed sleeve bearing, but this may have been achieved at the expense of the load capacity.