Fluid film thrust and journal bearings should provide plant operators with years of worry-free operation. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Too often, premature bearing failure results in ...

Journal bearing design is complex. It involves optimizing clearances, bearing length, minimum film lubricant, viscosity, flow rate, and inlet slots. Design equations are available, but their solution ...

Oil-whirl instability in rotor bearings was discovered by General Electric engineer Burt Newkirk in the 1920s. Since then, much has been written about design methods to reduce its harmful effects. Yet ...