Effects of misalignment on the performance of flexible porous journal bearings

A mathematical model is introduced to study the effects of journal misalignment on the hydrodynamic lubrication performance of finite flexible porous journal bearings. A modified form of Reynolds equation, which was derived from the Brinkman-extended Darcy equations and Stokes' equations, is utilized in the present study. The journal misalignment is allowed to vary in magnitude as well as in direction with respect to the bearing boundaries. The predicted performance characteristics of porous journal bearings are compared with available theoretical and experimental results. The effects of the degree and angle of misalignment, and the permeability of the porous liner on the pressure distribution, load-carrying capacity, friction coefficient and misalignment moment are presented and discussed.