Fluid-Inertia Effects in Spherical Hydrostatic Thrust Bearings

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Abstract
This paper includes the predominant centripetal inertia terms in a comprehensive analysis of hydrostatic thrust bearings of spherical form. The analysis considers continuous spherical surfaces which are not interrupted by grooves and solutions are presented for spheres having radii equal to and less than the radius of the hemispherical seal. This analysis demonstrates that fluid inertia effects influence the pressure distribution as suggested by Shaw and Strang. When the sphere and seat have equal radii the film pressures are always enhanced while for the other case the film pressures may increase or decrease depending upon the location of the center of the hemispherical seat. Attention is drawn to the main characteristics of this form of bearing which is capable of supporting combined axial and radial loads.