EHD analysis of an elliptical bearing using a non-conforming finite element technique

Abstract A realistic bearing structural model is used for determining the elastohydrodynamic (EHD) performance characteristics of an elliptical bearing and results are compared with those obtained using other conventional models. Two bearing materials (a metal and a non-metal) are considered in this study. A thin-liner approximation is found good for metallic bearings with rotor loads directed towards the support. For metallic bearings with the rotor load directed away from the support and for non-metallic bearings, a three-dimensional realistic bearing structure yields better results.