A general calculation method for gas journal bearings with pocketed or annular orifices feeding systems is presented. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated by comparison with a large number of experimental results. Good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results led to the application of the calculation method to the examination of some bearing properties which depend on the feeding system geometry. Examinations of the influence of the type of feeding holes and of their dimensions on the load coefficient and on the power consumption per unit load were performed. The results are of significance to the practical application of gas lubricated bearings.

No abstract