Acoustic journal bearing – a search for adequate configuration

Abstract

Classical non-contact bearings are already used in a number of specialist applications but there are some specialist areas where they cannot be used for variety of reasons and acoustic sliding bearings could be an alternative. The paper presents the quest for a configuration of an acoustic journal bearing and shows that the overall shape of the bearing and its geometry are of a vital importance for the load capacity of the bearing. The results clearly demonstrate that the acoustic journal bearing with appropriate geometry can develop a load capacity of magnitude that can be sufficient for some practical applications. The search for the appropriate configuration was carried out using finite element modelling and experimental validating testing.