Abstract
In order to exploit the well-known advantages of gas bearings, it is necessary to be able to optimize each individual design. The non-linearity of the basic Reynolds equation makes this difficult. The application of numerical methods is tedious and expensive. Analytical solution can be obtained by making certain basic assumptions and linearizing the equation. An interesting way to linearize the Reynolds equation is the ph solution found by Ausman on his work on plain journal bearings. An extension of this method has been done by Pitts, for tilting pad bearings.
The aim of this paper is to compare the analytical solution with the experimental results, and so ascertain the validity of the hypothesis. During the experiments the influence on the shape and thickness of the gas film of the parameters (load, speed, bearing size, clearance and pivot location) has been studied. It is shown how a choice of pad may be made to fulfil a certain requirement.
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