Design of Experimental Setup for Hydrodynamic Thin Film Pressure Study

Abstract: A proposed experimental setup for study and demonstration of the pressure distribution and load capacity of hydrodynamic bearings was developed. Various conceptual designs for producing thin full film lubrication conditions and enabling gap geometry control and pressure and force measurements were produced and assessed. Relative motion for the interacting bearing surfaces was found promising to be achieved by a smooth rotating belt. A simple height control arrangement for the stationary surface is also found to be facilitating the gap control between the two surfaces. Alternative direct and indirect techniques for measuring pressure and force were pointed out. Topology and dimensions of the proposed design were suggested as a basis for a physical setup realization.