Abstract
A method for calculating spring and damping coefficients for the tilting-pad journal bearing is presented. The analysis includes the effect of pad inertia. Numerical results are given in form of design curves for the centrally pivoted 4-shoe, 5-shoe, 6-shoe, and 12-shoe journal bearing. A comparison with test results is included. This paper deals with the effects of lubricant compressibility on the pressure profile and total load capacity in a partial journal bearing; pivot pressure as a measure of shoe load capacity; shoe friction characteristics; and optimum shoe clearance ratios for various speeds. The parameter λ is used as an indicator of the compressibility effect of gas in the bearing clearance.