Support element for compliant hydrodynamic journal bearings

摘要

A compliant hydrodynamic fluid journal bearing system tolerant of strong misalignment forces includes an end section at each axial end of the bearing system which lies parallel to the direction of rotation of the rotor. The end sections are more compliant than the central section of the bearing system and can deflect independently of it to conform independently with a misaligned rotor bearing surface without distorting other portions of the bearing. The surface area of the bearing which is thus made available to bear loads is maximized, thereby increasing load capacity and misalignment tolerance of the bearings.