Optimum design of hydrostatic journal bearings Part I: Maximum load capacity

The optimization problem is formulated with a view to maximizing the load-carrying capacity of hydrostatic journal bearings. Equations governing the performance of multi-recess hydrostatic journal bearings are summarized. Practical design limits and operational constraints are also defined. The optimization process is based on the well known Rosenbrock method. Results illustrating the effect of area ratio, axial land width and circumferential land width on load capacity, flow rate and power ration are reported. In conclusion precision bearings with small clearances and low pressure ratios are recommended for applications involving low supply pressures, while bearings with large clearances and pressure ratios close to 0.5 are recommended for applications involving high supply pressures