Calculation of the Flow in High-Speed Gas Bearings Including Inertia Effects Using the CE/SE Method

Abstract

In the classical Reynolds equation, inertia effects are neglected. Gas bearings working at very high speeds may encounter flow discontinuities (shock waves), which require the inclusion of inertia terms within the momentum equations. In order to solve the resulting system of equations, a numerical method capable of capturing flow discontinuities is necessary, and the space-time conservation element/solution element (CE/SE) is such a method. In addition, it does not incorporate any other assumptions or special numerical treatment. Results obtained using this method are compared with experimental data and theoretical results, as well as with results obtained by neglecting inertia effects.

Keywords:

• Hydrodynamic Lubrication
• Inertia Effects
• Gas Lubrication

Acknowledgments

Presented at the 58th STLE Annual Meeting in New York City, New York April 28-May 1, 2003

Final manuscript approved March 12, 2004

Review led by Luis San Andres