Stabilization method for small-bore journal bearings utilizing starved lubrication

This paper describes the stabilization method for small-bore circular journal bearings using starved lubrication. First, we describe the experimental examination to confirm the effect of supply oil conditions on stability of circular journal bearing by using a high-speed test rig. Then, the theoretical model considering the effect of amount of supply oil is discussed. Journal center trajectories are calculated by nonlinear motion analysis under various conditions. The theoretical results agree well with the experimental ones for three types of supply oil conditions and the mechanism of the stabilization by using the starved lubrication for small-bore journal bearings is clarified. Moreover, we suggest a supply oil control mechanism to stabilize the journal bearing using starved lubrication. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control mechanism on stability for high-speed small-bore journal bearings is verified experimentally. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4000269] Keywords: journal bearing, stability, theoretical analysis, starved lubrication, supply oil quantity, oil control mechanism