ARMD Software: BEARINGS V6.1

Package for Fluid-Film Bearings Analysis

The software package “BEARINGS V6.1” is capable of facilitating com­prehen­sive evalua­tions of fluid-film bearings. Practically any bearing or bearing system available in the industry can be analyzed with one of the bearing solution modules. The fluid-film bearing modules JURNBR, HYBCBR, TILTBR, and THRSBR solve the lubrication problem in two dimensions eliminating any appro­xi­ma­tion typically associated with one dimensional analysis or with look-up table methods.

Complete performance predictions of hydro­dynamic, hydro­static, and hybrid lubricated journal, conical and thrust bearings operating in the laminar and/or turbulent regime can be generated. Simulation capabilities include effects as cavitation, mis­alignment, pressurized boundaries, pressurized grooved feeding system, pressurized nozzle feeding system, surface/structural deviation, and lubricant feed circuitry (JURNBR, HYBCBR) with specified pressures or restrictors (capillary, orifice, or flow control valve), groove geometry and chamfers.

Results generated with BEARINGS modules include:

• Load capacity / journal or runner position
• Attitude angle
• Viscous power loss
• Righting moments
• Flow requirements
• Stability (bearing whirl)
• Spring and damping coefficients
• Clearance and pressure distribution
• Recess pressures and flows
• Heat balance and temperature rises for bearing system and individual pads

Configurations and important features that can be evaluated by the BEARINGS modules are:

Fixed Geometry Cylindrical and Conical Journal Bearings (JURNR & HYBCBR)

• Plain surface
• Multi-groove
• Pressure dam
• Elliptical or lemon
• Rayleigh step or pocket
• Tapered land
• Lobe or canted lobe
• Any configurable pad surfaces
• Multi-recess

Tilting-Pad Journal Bearings (TILTBR)

• Central pivot
• Offset pivot
• Evenly spaced pads
• Grouped pads
• Load between pads
• Load on pad
• Any load direction
• Any preload
• Leading/trailing edges taper
• Fluid-inertia force effects
• Support pivot stiffness

Fixed and Tilting-Pad Geometry Thrust Bearings (THRSBR)

• Plain surface
• Multi-groove
• Step land
• Step pocket
• Tapered land
• Taper pocket
• Tilting pad
• Compound taper
• Any configurable pad surfaces

Figures and screenshots provided with kind permission of RBTS.