The main objective of this research project is the investigation of multirecess hydrostatic journal bearings with active hybrid (hydrostatic and hydrodynamic) lubrication. This paper gives a theoretical contribution to the modeling of this kind of bearing, combining computational fluid dynamics and control techniques. The feasibility of influencing the dynamic fluid film coefficients (stiffness and damping) by means of a controllable fluid injection into opposed bearing recesses is investigated. By controlling the pressure and flow injection using servo control systems, it is possible to obtain significant modifications of active hybrid forces, which can be useful while reducing vibration and stabilizing rotating machines.
Hybrid bearing; active lubrication; vibration control; fluid power
