Dynamic Characteristics of a Finite-Width Journal Bearing Lubricated with Powders

This paper attempts to investigate the dynamic characteristics of a powder lubricated journal bearing. The stiffness and damping coefficients are obtained using finite perturbation method. The stability limit of the rotor speed is obtained for a system consisting of a single rotor disc in the middle of a flexible shaft having identical plain cylindrical journal bearings at the ends. The threshold speed of instability for a rotor supported on powder lubricated journal bearing is compared with that of oil lubricated journal bearing. The numerical results show that a rotor supported on powder lubricated journal bearings remains stable for a speed limit much higher than that for oil lubricated bearings. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.