Externally Pressurized Two Layer Film Bearing—Gas Bearing With Liquid Layer

A new type of gas lubricated externally pressurized thrust bearing was developed. The bearing consists of a central hole for feeding the gas and a row of 24 small holes located circumferencially at a constant radius for supplying a small amount of liquid which, by the combined wetting action and the gas flows, forms a thin liquid layer adhering onto one of the surfaces. The pattern of the liquid film was observed experimentally, and the bearing performance influenced by the thin liquid film was determined. The load capacity and film stiffness were found to increase approximately 2 and 6 times respectively.