Study on the Static Performance and Stability of a Water-Lubricated Hybrid Bearing with Circumferential Grooves and Stepped Recesses Considering the Influence of Recess Sizes

Abstract

Bearings are key components in high-speed and high-precision machine tools. Temperature rise and stability are significant for a rotor–bearing system in a high-speed spindle. This study proposes a water-lubricated hybrid bearing with circumferential grooves and stepped recesses to lower the temperature rise and improve bearing stability. A bulk-flow thermohydrodynamic model is developed to predict the static performance and stability of the bearing. A comparison of the results confirms the validity of the model and the improved characteristics of the hybrid bearing. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to quantify the influence of recess sizes on bearing performance. The discussion defines the key parameters of bearing performance and provides a useful guide for the optimal design of hybrid bearings.

KEY WORDS:

• Hybrid Bearing
• Turbulence
• Static Performance
• Stability

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We gratefully acknowledge the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program Nos. 2009CB724404 and 2011CB706601) for their financial support of this research.