Some Resolved and Unresolved Areas in Journal Orbit Analysis

In reviewing various industrial software modules used by bearing suppliers and engine companies, we have found a fair level of agreement between them in the final results. We also discovered, however, some unresolved areas which merit further discussion. This paper will focus primarily on those unresolved areas:

1. 1
   the treatment of partial groove bearings
2. 2
   calculation of oil flow quantity and its associated temperature rise and friction
3. 3
   selection of the bearing clearance
4. 4
   the optimal location of the journal oil hole in the main bearing
5. 5
   prediction of the fatigue endurance life
6. 6
   minimum oil thickness allowable
7. 7
   the prediction of the wear pattern.

Our approach in these areas will be described and then compared with that taken in other industrial softwares.