The Effect of Manufacturing Tolerances on the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Plain Bearings

Plain bearing systems are widely used in rotor systems due to their efficiency, simplicity, long life, silent operation, low friction and wear, and in many cases, good heat dissipation. Despite the fact that a significant number of research have been published in the field of calculation and design of plain bearings, the proposed mathematical models and methods for calculating the characteristics do not consider the random changes of some geometric and operating parameters of these complex systems. The thickness of the lubricating film, which is one of the main operational parameters, is determined by the corresponding tolerances for the manufacturing of parts and assembly of the machine and a random variable. This work considers the effect of random changes in middle clearance and eccentricity values on pressure distribution based on the Reynolds equation. It is shown that the possible value of hydrodynamic force in such bearing can substantially differ from calculated under the deterministic models.