The effects of the film pressures at the leading edge of the pad on the Performance of the bearings are analyzed both theoretically and experimentally.
The ram-pressure, including edge effect of finite width pad, is calculated in consideration of behavior of the lubricant flow occuring at the leading edge of the pad in Z-direction and using the ram-pressure obtained, the pressure generated in the lubricating film is numerically calculated. The ram-pressure enhances the generation of pressure in the lubricating film through the inlet boundary condition.
A single sector shaped pivoted pad and a rotating disk are used in experiment. The pivot position is 51% of width in radial direction from inner radius and 61% from leading edge of the pad in the circumferential direction. Distribution of pressure and film thickness are observed continuously in circumferential direction. Temperature is taken at thirty points on pad surface and three point on disk surface.
