Bearing Characteristic Number in Hydrodynamic Bearing

Bearing characteristic number is an important parameter used to determine the performance of a hydrodynamic bearing. It is defined as the ratio of the load-carrying capacity of the bearing to the viscous resistance developed in the bearing. The higher the value of the bearing characteristic number, the better the performance of the bearing.

Factors Affecting Bearing Characteristic Number

There are three main factors that affect the bearing characteristic number in a hydrodynamic bearing. They are:

1. Viscosity: The viscosity of the lubricant used in the bearing plays a crucial role in determining the bearing characteristic number. The higher the viscosity of the lubricant, the higher the bearing characteristic number.

2. Speed: The speed of the rotating shaft also affects the bearing characteristic number. The higher the speed, the lower the bearing characteristic number.

3. Bearing Pressure: The bearing pressure is the pressure exerted by the lubricant on the bearing surface. The higher the bearing pressure, the higher the bearing characteristic number.

Formula for Bearing Characteristic Number

The formula for calculating the bearing characteristic number is as follows:

C = W/ (π×L×V×P)

where,

C = Bearing characteristic number
W = Load-carrying capacity of the bearing
L = Length of the bearing
V = Viscosity of the lubricant
P = Bearing pressure

Conclusion

In conclusion, the bearing characteristic number in a hydrodynamic bearing depends on the viscosity of the lubricant, speed of the rotating shaft, and the bearing pressure. It is an important parameter that determines the performance of the bearing and can be calculated using the formula mentioned above.