Parallel orifice and capillary control for hydrostatic journal bearings

Abstract Under cold conditions starting problems can arise due to different temperatures in the bearing and control system where capillary control is used. Where a bearing must operate over a wide variation of viscosity due to temperature changes, the use of orifice control is restricted by the effect of viscosity on the bearing pressure ratio. Both of these problems can be solved by use of a parallel feed system. Flow variations with viscosity can be minimized, and a satisfactory load and stiffness characteristic obtained. The capillary will act as a by-pass for the orifice at low viscosity, and vice versa for high viscosity.