V. N.

CONSTANTINESCU
H e a d of Hydrodynamic
i On Hydrodynam c Instability of Gas-Lubricated
Lubrication L a b o r a t o r y ,
Institute o f A p p l i e d M e c h a n i c s ,
Rumanian A c a d e m y ,
Bucharest, Rumania
. I f% •
M l I I ' l l R P i i l ' i n O ' C
J U U I 11(11 U C f l l I l l g O
Paper starts with a study of static stability response'of gas-lubricated bearing, followed
by a general small perturbations theory of the dynamic stability of journal bearings.
Then the pressure equation for bearings subjected to variable forces and velocities is
analyzed, by pointing out the existence of a limiting solution which can occur both for
high speeds or for high frequency of the bearing eccentricity. At the same time the
squeeze effect can be strongly altered by the lubricant compressibility so that, for motions
with high tangential speeds or with high frequencies, the pressures depend only on the
thickness h and not on the derivative with respect to time h as is the case of incompressible
films. Finally, the analysis of the stability co?iditions reveals that bearings operating at
low numbers H are unstable according to the small perturbations theory. The same
situation occurs to the bearings operating with small eccentricity ratios, for any number
H. The frequency of undamped oscillations is proportional to the shaft angular speed
W for low numbers H but tends to a bounded value GJ0* for high number H. Quasi-
resonant conditions may also occur when the number His increasing, a fact which allows
the deduction of a simple half-empirical stability condition.

1 Introduction
A s IT is known, the problem of determining the dy-
namic characteristics and especially the stability conditions of
gas-lubricated journal bearings is a very difficult one, owing to the
nonlinear form of the pressure equation for compressible gas
films. This difficulty imposes the consideration of some approxi-
mations regarding the hypotheses, in order to simplify the analysis
and especially to determine the bearing response to a given per-
turbation. Unfortunately, such hypotheses or approximations
are rather difficult to control, so that in some cases the error in-
troduced may alter substantially the results. The existing
analysis, mentioned for instance in books [1 and 2], 1 are only
approximate ones, and moreover, their results may be different
and even contradictory [3, 4].
Therefore, a reconsideration of the problem of the gas bearing
dynamics, by eliminating as much as possible of the approxima-
1 N u m b e r s in brackets designate References at end of paper.
C o n t r i b u t e d b y the L u b r i c a t i o n D i v i s i o n of THE AMERICAN
SOCIETY OP MECHANICAL ENGINEERS and presented at t h e A S M E -
A S L E International L u b r i c a t i o n Conference, W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . ,
O c t o b e r 1 3 - 1 6 , 1964. M a n u s c r i p t received at A S M E Headquarters,
August 21, 1964. P a p e r N o . 6 4 — L u b - 2 4 .
tions used in previous papers [1, 2], appears as useful and oppor-
tune. This is the very goal of the present paper. Thus, after
some consideration on possible static stability conditions which
can be used, a general small perturbation stability theory is de-
veloped; a study of the pressure equation for unsteady gas films
follows, and finally, stability conditions are discussed.
At the time that the paper was written, there were not many
treatments of journal instability, specially for compressible
fluids, in the literature. Recently some papers [5, 6, 7] have
given useful additional information on this subject which is
generally in good qualitative agreement with the results of the
present paper.
2 Static Stability Conditions
Since the problem of dynamic stability is a quite complex one,
it is of some interest to discuss first whether the static stability
problem is useful or not, in order to appreciate the bearing re-
sponse to a random perturbation.
One understands generally by "static stability" the tendency
of a body to respond to a perturbation. For example, if the forces
acting on the bearing are such that it tends to move toward its
initial position, the bearing will be statically stable. In the con-
trary case it will be statically unstable.

-Nomenclature-
b = bearing width n = number of revolutions attitude angle
load coefficients relative to the p = load V* angle between the force P and
components CP, (P„ (P = pressure resultant the line of centers
c radial clearance p = pressure M viscosity
e eccentricity pa = atmospheric pressure P density
h film thickness R = resultant of the external load P f c/ri = clearance ratio
h, maximum film thickness and the pressure resultant (P angular speed (03 = fii + ft-)
h2 minimum film thickness )'i = shaft radius frequency of the undamped os-
p.03 t = time cillations
H = = bearing number
F = relative velocity 03a eigenfrequency of the bearing
juco Fi, V2 = velocities of the lubricated sur- 1, shaft and bearing angular
L = — - = bearing number for faces speeds
VaV
x, y, z = coordinates angular speed of the line of
squeeze motions
6 = e/c = eccentricity ratio centers
p-b
M* = = stability dimension- k = polytropic exponent X = b/2ri = aspect ratio
pomx//6
less parameter P
f = r = load coefficient NOTE: upper-lined notation = dimension-
mass of the shaft relative to 2 p0rtb less values (when not expressly men-
the bearing 6 — x/ri = polar variable tioned).

Journal of Basic Engineering SEPTEMBER 1 9 6 5 / 579

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 center will always have the tendency to rotate in the same direc-

tion as co. There is an exception for co •

V J
when (P„ —*• 0. One can also show [1] that, for the general case,
the second condition (2) or (3) is not satisfied, except the case
H -*• co (when = 6* -*• 0 and (P„ ->- 0) and the very high
eccentricity ratios e -*• 1 (when 0* —• 0 also).
Consequently, static stability is achieved only for the extreme
case H -*• «>, Fig. 1(6), or for high eccentricity ratios e —• 1. In
^ s m OJ
H + oo other cases, the shaft center Oi has a tendency to rotate in the
same direction as co, especially at low numbers H, for which
this tendency is obvious, Fig. 1(c). It remains to be seen if such
tendency is dynamically damped or not. Therefore, a static
study, carried out as just pointed out, or by other methods (e.g.,
an energetic method), cannot be conclusive.

3 General Small Perturbation Theory

H+ 0
i)W> o 2)d$"< 0
Fig. 1 T h e r e a c t i o n s in a j o u r n a l b e a r i n g w h e n its o p e r a t i n g r e g i m e is
modified
It is to be pointed out that static stability is only a necessary
but not sufficient condition for dynamic stability. This is to
say that a bearing can be statically stable but dynamically un-
stable. The reciprocal situation (static instability but dynamic
stability) is expected to be encountered only in a few exceptional
cases, so that in order to have dynamic stability it is generally
necessary to have first static stability.
Let us consider now a gas-lubricated journal bearing whose
bushing is at rest, while the shaft rotates with an angular ve-
locity co. Let us also denote by 6* the attitude angle, by P the
external load (equal to the pressure resultant (P if no perturba-
tions are acting), and by t?* the angle between the force P and the
line of centers. The shaft center Oi is supposed to be displaced
to another position CV, so that the eccentricity e and the angles
0* = 0* are modified, having now the values e' — e + Se, 6*' —
6* + SB*, &*' = d* + Sd*. In order to have static sta-
bility, it follows from Fig. 1(a), the conditions:
SR, = CP' cos 0* P cos tf*
(1)
SRn = <P' sin 0* • P sin x}*' < of
N. Tipei [9] developed a small perturbation stability theory by
starting from the motion equations of the two lubricated bodies in
polar coordinates. This theory was also used by the author of
this paper for gas-lubricated journal bearings [1, 4].
In the following considerations a similar, but more direct theory
will be developed, considering the motion equations of the two
lubricated bodies in Cartesian coordinates.
Let us thus consider a journal bearing as in Fig. 2. With respect
to the Cartesian system Otxy, having the origin at the bearing
center 0 2 , the shaft center position Oi will be defined by its co-
ordinates x0, Vo- If the center Oi is displaced in a new position
0/(a-o + Sx, 2/o + Si/), the forces <?x, (P„ due to the pressure dis-
tribution in the film will be also modified: 6\ + S(?x, (P„ + 5(P„.
When the perturbations Sx, Sy are small, the motion equations
can be written in the following simple form:
mSx = 5(P,.; mSij = 5(P„ (4)
since the external force P remains generally unchanged. The
mass m represents the reduced mass of the shaft, with respect to
the bearing. The components 5(PX, 5(P„ are functions of the shaft
center position (x, y) and velocity:
S(PX = 8<?x(x, y, x, y); SiP„ = 5(P„5(a;, y, x, y) (5)
Then, by developing 8(PX, 8(Py into Taylor's series in the neighbor-
hood of the initial equilibrium position and by retaining only the
first terms, one obtains

which must be verified. In relations (1) <P' = (P + 5(P and 5/2,,

are the components of the resultant of the external load P 8(?x = — Sx + -—* Sy + — 8x + — Sy
bx by bx by
and the pressure resultant <P' upon the line of centers and upon a (6)
normal to it. By introducing the eccentricity ratio e = e/c and b(P d<P d(P a<p„ .
5(P„ = — Sx + —Sy + — da; + — r Sy
developing into series with respect to Se, 8§*, conditions (1) may bx by bx by
be written in a first approximation as
so that system (4) can be written as
d(P
-(
dO
& ' * + <P — sin 6*) 8e + P sin d*8&* > 0
be

-C &a>
be
sin 0* -f- (P — cos 0 ^
be
a0
8e - P cos < 0
y
/t

(2)

vVJ m\
C>(P
SR. = —' Se + P sin > 0
0? J X
be v\
(3)
b(P
SR. = —5 Se — P cos &*8&* < 0
be

since (P, = (P cos 0* and (P„ = (P sin 0*.

For an unloaded bearing, e = 0, (P = 0, P = 0 and only the 31
first condition (2) or (3) is satisfied. Consequently, the shaft Fig. 2 Coordinates system for stability analysis

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 bS>, b(Px d(P I b(Px ponents upon the line of centers and upon a normal to this one
m8x = 5x + Sy + bx +
" t o by dx (<P„ (P„), it is practical to express the shaft position Oi with the
(7) aid of the eccentricity and of the angle tp (Fig. 2)
dfP* d<p„ b®„ d(P„
ii Si) = 8x + 8y + bx +
dx dy bx x = — e sin tp; y — —e cos tp (15)
This linear system can be simplified further by considering for the One can thus write
d(Pj d(P,
derivatives — , — , . . . the values corresponding to the initial 1
dx dx 6>z = (P, sin tp — (P„ cos tp = (x(P, — y(P„)
moment t = 0. System (7) becomes then a linear system with
constant coefficients, for which the solutions can be written under (16)
the form <P„ = CP, cos tp + <P„ sin tp = (?/<P( + x<P„)
e
8x = x * e 8 y = y*e" (8)
Taking now into account that
so that

/d(P d(P, \ , , /dOP. cXPA „ e = Vx2 + y2; tp =

(17)
(9) x . y . . y . x
e = - + - y; tp = - x - -

(to + * toJx + ( + * ) »
/d<P„ d(P„\ ^ /d(P., d(P„ \ x

=0 e e e2 e2

and
Finally, in order to have solutions x*, y* for the homogeneous
system (9), the determinant formed by the coefficients must be be be x be be y
equal to zero bx dx e ' by by e '
dfl', ^ d(Px b<Px d(Px
mv', + v btp d<p _ 2/ btp btp ^ x
dx bx t>y
(18)
= 0 (10) dx ~ dx e2' by by e2
d(P„ ^ d(P„ d(P„ d(P„
+ V
dx dx' by by one can write, for instance,

whence d(Pj. _ d^ be dtPj btp \

i / ^ + a<pA _ i r^x + ^ + 1 dtP„ dx de dx dip dx (

(19)
w \ dx d)/ / to L to dj/ to \ by
di/ bx dCPj d(Px de d(P* d<p(
dx de dx btp bx J

to by ) \
!» ( \
ma
' d t P , d(P„
dx dy
+ dcPf d(P„
dx d?/
d(P I dg>„
di/ dx and finally the following formulas for the derivatives which define
the coefficient C,- are obtained
dCP, d f f A v /dtPx d<P„ _ d f f , dcpA = o
= 0 (11) dCP.x X ( d(P, d(P.\ y ,
d;/ dx ) m2 \ dx d;/ di/ bx )
dx
a 4tli deg equation in v, of the form
y ( d(P, d<P„\ x ,
C>4 + C\v3 + O2 + C3v + Ct = 0 (12) ?>y
(20)
Or it is known |9, 1 ] that, in order to have stability, all solutions v x ( d(P, d(P„\ y ,
must have a real negative part, since they must obviously decrease dx
in time. With this purpose, it is necessary for the determinant
btPj, _ y_ / d(P, cHP„\ _
which can be obtained from the matrix
— + 1 — ) - "a ( x ( p < -
by e2 V de de /
C, C, 0 0
Cz (J2 Cl Co and
(13)
0 C4 C, C,
0 0 0 Ci dtP* _ x / d(P, d<P,A <Wt _
dx e2 \ de V de / e3 \ btp V btp)
to have the same sign as Co. The following stability conditions
d(P, _ y / dtp, _ dcpA x / b(Sj _ dtPjN
C„C,> 0, (t = 1 , 2 , 3, 4); C„[C3(C,C2 - C„C3) - CVC,] > 0 (14) e2 V de V be ) e' V btp V btp J
(21)
are thus finally obtained. A somewhat similar analysis can be dfP„
_ £ ( . _ V- ( , + X
also found in papers [5, 71.
dx
It is to be mentioned that these results are valid for incom- e2 V de de / e 3 V^ btp * btp J
pressible lubricants for which the coefficient C, does not depend on dtP„ da?„\
y ( d(P« d(P r \ x / d(P,
v. However, by a step-by-step procedure the previous method by btp) j
can be also approximately used for compressible lubricants, as it
will be shown. Consequently, if the derivatives of the components (P„ (Pn with
Consequently, the dynamic stability analysis of a liquid or gas- respect to e, tp, e, tp are known, the derivatives of the components
lubricated bearing can be performed with the aid of conditions <PX, (P„ with respect to x, y, x, y can be computed readily by using
(14), provided the coefficient C „ that is to say, the derivatives relations (20) and (21). It is interesting now to point out that if
the axes x, y are superposed on axes t, n for t = 0, then xo = 0,
, , , — for the unperturbed motion (t = 0), are
dx by bx by 2/o = eo, and one obtains the following simple expressions in
known. Since, in general, one knows the pressure resultant com- place of relations (20) and (21):

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 ( 5x*)„ = " I 9A (Ty) de '

= _ I . _ _ ^
\ /o e \ by Jo be
(22)
( ^ s ) = =
\bx Jo e bip' \by J0 be '

ZdCPyX = _ 1 / ^ j A = _
\ bx Jo e bip ' \ by Jo be

so that the equation (11) takes the following form

i /c><p( i dfl>„\ i r i b<9t

v* + - I— IT") " + ~ - ^ +
m \ be e bip / m \_e be

1 / a p * . _ „ + JL + t a®.
me \b<j> be be bip / J m2e \ be be

b<5>, + w ^ + = 0 ( 2 3 )
Fig. 3 Coordinates system for writing the pressure equation for a
j o u r n a l bearing subjected to v a r i a b l e forces a n d velocities
bip
0 be be bip / vi'e \ be be /

It is important to mention that equation (23) has exactly the

J +' L — ^
bh 1 , , ra[p1A(VM + Vie)]
same form as the equation obtained when following N. Tipei's + {V l z - 7i.) —
method [9] in book [1], a fact which obviously makes this stability bz
equation valid.
a [ y 1 A ( F 2 , + y t .)] j j
In order to have equation (23) in a dimensionless form, let us + (26)
denote

<p, . (Pn where Fi„, Fj„ are the components of the velocities upon the
C, = Cn = normal to the shaft at a given angle 0; Vis, V2g, their components
2 ponb' 2p0nb
upon the direction 0; and finally Vu, Vit their components upon
the lateral direction z. In the general case, one must consider
<f> ,
(24) that both shaft and bearing are rotating with the angular veloci-
ties fli and 0,2, respectively (Fig. 3). A t the same time the shaft
center Oi moves with respect to the bearing center 0 2 with the
H = — • M* = relative velocity V„ which has a component Vrl = e upon the
direction of the line of centers, and a component Vrn = eip upon a
Po^2' pom\p6
normal to this, ip becoming now the angular velocity of the line
of centers.
Equation (23) may be written then in the form
-v4>
/ac, _ 1 a c . \ 2_M* n a_c, Besides, in order to write the thickness h in the form
+. , •
2 M
"ttt I TT
V bi e bip J H2 L e £>e
c ( l + e cos 0) (27)
2M* / a e , aCj _ bC, a c „ \ ] _2 4 M « i / ac,
it is necessary for the origin 0 to be at the point h = hi = e + c
ff* W be be bip J j H* e \ ' be
independent of the time. In other words, the system 0 x ( 6 ) , y, z
must be considered as rotating with the velocity of the point O,
+ C ^ + Wj _ v that is — nip. Thus, the velocities of the two lubricated surfaces
" ai bip be be bip J
at any angle d will be [1]
4 M*' 1 / bC, bCn\
ViS — nfii + e sin 6 — eip cos 6 — nip;
tf4 7 v ' "a7 + °n ~bf) = 0 (25)

Fi„ = — e cos 6 — rip sin 9; Vi, = 0 (28)

It is seen that the coefficients of this equation depend on H and
V2t> = r 2 fi 2 cos e' — nip-, V2„ = — r 2 fi 2 sin e'; F 2 i = 0
also on the parameter M* (24) which plays an important part in
the dynamic stability.
where e' (Fig. 1) is defined by sin e' ^ (e/n) sin 8, cos e' = 1.
Taking into account that e is small with respect to n, equation
4 Considerations on Dynamic Behavior of Gas-Lubricated (26) takes the form [1, 10]
Journal Bearings
In order to determine the dependence of the bearing reactions
b9 \n p b9j bz C)z)
(P„ (P„ on the parameters e, e, ip, it is necessary to examine first
the pressure differential equation of a journal bearing subjected
„ r b{Vi^h) a(p'A;o'
to variable forces and velocities. Thus, it is known that if Vi and = Qn2 2 — — - + (O, + 02 - 2ip) (29)
Vi are the velocities of the two lubricated surfaces, the pressure L at be
equation is [9, 1]
which is the pressure equation with respect to a system of coordi-
a /V 1A ap\ 2 b /h> 1A a?\ nates in rotation with the velocity — n<p, so that the thickness h is
bd P bx) r> bz \n P bz J given by relation (27).
It is important to point out that if one considers a fixed coordi-
bp1/* bh nates system 0 0 , y, z (i.e., having no more the velocity —nip), the
= |2(72„ - Vi^p1'* + 2h ~ - p1'* [(Vie -
bt nbd pressure equation has the form [1]

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 5 = 1 + t{i)hm(d) (37)
ae/ T az v az/ L a< and

+ + £2i) (30) p = 1 + ej5 ci) + e*pm + . . (38)

a0
where for p(1y we find the differential equation
and the thickness h is given b y the relation
a^>
e
+ = 12i
h = c[l + e cos (0 - <pt)] (31) b6' bz1

instead of the formula (27). Then, Pa) can be considered in the form
Consequently, the form of the pressure equation depends on the
system of coordinates. For example, in the case of a bearing sub-
Pa) = XI Am,n(l) sin m0' sin n z; X = —- (40)
jected to a centrifugal load, e = const, and b(pl^Kh)/bt = 0 in m,n A &T\
equation (29), but b(p1/Kh)/bt ^ 0 in equation (30). It is
readily seen that such a particularity does not appear for liquid where, for the sake of symmetry, 6' = 6 — x / 2 so that the thick-
films. Indeed, for k = <*>, both equations (29) and (30) are re- ness (37) becomes
duced to the same form
h = 1 + eoe(2) sin 0'; Km = e(l) sin 0'; i = — (41)
ft
be \n be) + n dz V az)
For the coefficients Am>n(l), one obtains from (39)
o ^ dhl dA kit2 / n 2\
= 6n2 |j2h + (fii + ft (32)
~ 2<p) alj - + Fm,nAn,n = QmJl); Fm,n = — («« + - J (42)

i.e., the pressure equation for liquid films has the same form, both and
for a fixed system of coordinates and for a moving one with the
velocity — rj <p.
Using dimensionless coordinates, equation (29), for instance,will i,n = — «; Alin = Ai,„(0)e "l ~ f e(T)eft",<T_JW (43)
n Jo
take the form
Finally, the pressure resultant cani be
be written
written as
as [1]
[1]

('•"•SKM)
d_
be
t =
P
2p0rlb
4«o

Jo
f dz
Jo
f Pen sin d'dO' = e» T,
n 2n+l
= 12 L _ ' + m ' (33) (44)
u be
For infinitely long journal bearings the forementioned results
where the parameter H is now variable, and L is a similar parame- are particularly simple [1]
ter defined as a function of a characteristic frequency o>* of the
motion
«i = I; A, - A,(0)e~F<r - £ l(r)eF'<'-<W; f- = f ft M
i + fe - 2<p) pco*
H L = (34) (45)
wf 1 ; Pofto
When (41)
From equation (33) one can see that the compressibility may
be neglected only when both H -*• 0 and L —*• 0. Thus, the com- e = sin I (46)
pressibility effect can be important even for a bearing operating
at low numbers H, but subjected to a squeeze motion with a high that to say, a periodic squeeze motion, from (45) one obtains
frequency co*.
, 12L . ,
On the contrary, for H —*• °° the limiting solution , , • , c o s » H s m '
Ai = — Fi cos I + sin I 12L k _ k
V lH — Ci (35)
1 + Fi J = ~ ~~k 1
. .+ 144LS ' _ 12L
is valid for any value of the parameter L; Ci may be in some
special cases a function of t. A t the same time a similar be- (47)
havior can be found for large values of L. In other words, if
and
L —*• m a quite similar limiting solution (35) exists for any value
of the parameter II, Ci now becoming a constant. Finally, the , 12L . ,
same limiting solution is reached if both L —*• °° and H —> °°. cos I -\ sm I
K
The existence of the limiting solution (35) leads to important = - 6 7 T Le 0
144L»
conclusions with regard to the dynamic properties of the gas 1 +
/c2
films, which are quite different as compared to the liquid film
properties. Let us consider, for instance, a journal bearing sub-
jected to a pure squeeze motion ( H = 0). Equation (35) may be

V'
written then
Lilian as
ao follows:
luuuno. l + 144L 2 12L (48)

b^
(36)
bel \ p be) bz\ v bz J bl

67TL
B y using a small-perturbation technique, similar to that used r - = - 144L 2 (49)
b y W . A. Michael [11] for plane surfaces, one can write, for in- 1 +
stance

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 These formulas are completely verified for the two limiting
cases L —»- 0 and L-+a>. (56)
d£ d-ff' dtf
Indeed, for L 0 [9]
where dC,/'dII, OCn/dH also can be computed by using the existing
6irLeo cos t QirLi 6TrL
(U numerical results [1], For low numbers H {H —>- 0), C„ is pro-
X—o (1 - e„ sin 2 1) S / J co*(l - e 2 )V ! ~ co*
portional to H so that ——" " and C, is proportional to IP.
(50) dH H
Thus:
while for L -*• <*> one obtains, starting from the limiting solution
(35)
~ - 4C,; ^ * - 2C„ (57)
IT 1 - \ / l - ft2 sin2 I H—0

€o sin 1 y/i _ eoa sin 2 J On the contrary, for high values of the parameters H, C,,„ and,
respectively, (P,,„ become independent of H (limiting solution)
it 1 - V l - t' 7T (35) so that
- S - - € (51)
v T T
= 0 (58)
Consequently, for small values of e, formula (49) agrees completely \ dip J H-
with formulas (50) and (51).
Hence it follows that, while for L -*• 0 (incompressible) the Moreover, one can see that d(P„/i)(p (or dC„/dip) changes its sign
bearing reaction is out of phase with respect to the perturbation for a given number H n which depends on X and t [1] (for low
( 0 —»- 90 deg), for L—*• => the bearing reaction is in phase with eccentricity ratios and X = oo, H„ = 'A). Thus d<?„/d<p is nega-
respect to the perturbation (<f> —• 0). The angle <f> (48) plays a tive or positive according to H < H„ or H > H„.
similar part as the attitude angle for ordinary static operation. (d) The estimation of the squeeze effect is much more difficult,
At the same time one observes from formula (49) that is because the pressures depend on the frequency co* or on the
directly proportional to i and is independent of co* or L, only for parameter L which is not generally known "ab initio." In other
L —» 0; on the contrary, when L —*• oo, the coefficient becomes words, the phenomenon is depending on its self-history. At the
independent of e. same time, from equation (33) and relation (35) one can see that
Unfortunately, the pressure equation (33) is nonlinear so that squeeze effect, i.e., the effect of the term d(pI/K/i)/c>(, can be con-
the squeeze effect can not be added to the hydrodynamic one, as sidered as [12, 13]
it can be done for incompressible films. However, the foregoing
results and especially relation (49) are useful in order to appreci- + p1AA ^ p1A/i (59)
ate the dynamic behavior of gas-lubricated journal bearings. dt ~ ' dt
Thus, in a first approximation the following hypotheses can be
only for small numbers II. Indeed, approximation (59) is true
used:
only for H — 0 , while at higher numbers H both terms lidpl/'":/dt
(а) The pressure resultant in a bearing subjected to variable and p^^h become of the same order of magnitude and have
forces and velocities is a function of H, L, e, e, X, so that opposite signs. Consequently, in such conditions it is better to
neglect the whole term d^p'^hl/dt than to use approximation
C, = <7,(6, H, X, e, L(co*)); C„ = C„(e, H, X, e, L(co*)) (52)
(59).
(б) The derivatives of the coefficients (?,,„ with respect to the One can however suppose at last that squeeze effect does not
eccentricity ratio e can be estimated by considering only the hy- influence the component (P„ normal to the line of centers, so that
drodynamic effect. Thus, if the corresponding coefficients are
C„ C„, then
^ • s o (60)
de
dC, ^ d £ < dC„ dc„
(53)
de de ' de de for any numbers H or L. Approximation (60) would be exact
only for the cases when the pressure equation would be linear (in-
which are generally known by numerical methods [12, 13, 1], compressible). It is true also for L —• oo or H —- . Generally,
Relations (53) are true only for H—»• 0 (incompressible) or H —*• °° it is possible to have such a derivative, different from zero, but its
(limiting solution). In the general case, the squeeze effect may value must be small with respect to the derivative d(P,/dc.
also have an influence especially on the derivative dC,/de, so Finally, in order to avoid the dependence of the phenomenon
that relations (53) are only approximate ones. Indeed, from re- on its history (parameter L), one can suppose that, at least for
lation (49) one observes that a derivative low numbers H, the frequency co* must be a function of the angu-
lar velocity co, as is the case of incompressible films. That is, for
72ttL2 t( 144L2\ low numbers H, L is of the same order of magnitude as H(L ~ H).
de When the number II increases, the influence on the squeeze mo-
tion decreases, so that d(P,/de must decrease with H, vanishing at
exists. higher numbers H.
(c) Under the same conditions as for point (6), the derivatives
Taking into account formula (49), one can suggest an empirical
of the coefficients C t , n with respect to <p may be estimated by
relation for d(P,/de making use of the value corresponding at
considering only the hydrodynamic effect. Thus, taking into
H = 0 but multiplied by a decreasing function of H
account equation (33) and the first formula (34), we can write
d(P,
(61)
H = #„(1 - 2<e>); H0 = co = fl, + fi, (54) de \ de / h-*o 1 + 36 H 2
Pet 2

when generally co = S2i and For example, for X = oo (50)

d(P, H d C, d(P„ H d C„ /dC,\ 6 irH

_
— ' S - 2 - 2por.fi - A ; —= £* - 2 - 2p„r,6 — 55) (62)
2 )'/»
dip co drt d<p co dff V be ) H—*0 ~ (1 - e 2 )
so that

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 c)C, GttH 6irH for any 6 or aspect ratio X = b/2i\ and for small eccentricity
(63)
at (1 - e 2 ) 3 / l 1 + 36H 2 ~~ 1 + 3 6 # 2 ratios, C3 = 0 for any H.
The foregoing conclusions lead to a skeptical opinion regarding
the last equality being valid only for low eccentricity ratios. the stability properties of journal bearings operating at low eccen-
Approximation (61) can introduce great errors only for the tricities and perhaps at moderate eccentricities.
cases when L has large values and H small ones. This is the case Indeed, for H —*• 0, unstable operation is found for any X or e as
when the bearing would vibrate with a high frequency co* —*• °°. was already mentioned by other authors [6, 7]. Thus, following
However, such a case is not to be expected for gas-lubricated jour- the method given in this paper, equation (23) has now the form:
nal bearings, since as it will be shown later, the frequency co* is a
function of H for low numbers H and, exactly as for the limiting 1 /d<P, 1 d(P„\ 1 d6't d(P„
solution (35) for pressures, the frequency co* tends to approach a m \oe e dip / •-e de dip
111-
bounded value co0* for high numbers H. Consequently, it is to be
expected that the empirical relation (61) will be sufficiently ac- 1 d(P„
+ - 7 <5\, — = 0 (69)
curate for the usual operation of gas-lubricated journal bearings. live oe

5 Stability Conditions This equation has two real and negative solutions [1]
In order to see whether the stability conditions (14) are verified,
let us consider first the simplest case of infinitely long journal
bearings operating at low eccentricity ratios. Under these condi-
1 d<P,
in de '
, V2 =
1 a<p„
m dip
(70)

tions, AuBman's results [15, 1] can be used. Thus, taking into

account relations (53) and (56), one can write and at the same time it has two complex solutions, with positive
real parts. The frequency of the unstable oscillations can be esti-
dC, 18irH2 ac„ 3tTH mated in a simple manner if the inertia forces of the shaft motion
de 1 + 36#2' de 1 + 36H 2 are neglected [1,2]
(64)
dC, 72tTHH ac„ 6tt//(1 - 36 H2)t
dip 1 + 36H 2 ' dip (1 + 36ff 2 ) 2
co 2 L
f sin 6* (2 +
6H
t2)VT
- IJ; f = ^
2 p0nb
(71)

By considering also relations (64) and (63) it results that the co-
efficient C, of equation (25) may be expressed as The frequency co* is the mean value of ip so that co* = co/2 for
small e.
2irM* 72TTM* 1
Co—l; C1 — rrrr. : „„„.,.;2 2 C% — If we now examine equation (23) when H — i t can be writ-
H( 1 + 36ff ) ' 1 + 36 H2
ten as

X
( 1 +
2M* 1 -
H2
36ff 2 \
l + 36ff2/'
(65)
F4 +
1 /1
-
m \e
F - <P, +
a(P,\
— '
de J
)v2
1
m2e
aip,
+ — <p( — ' = 0
de
(72)

_ 4M* 1 / ac, | a c , ac„ _ ac, ac„\ = Q

Hl e \ ' di dip ae ae dip ) since (P„ —>- 0, d(P,/c>e = dtp,/dip = 0. We find thus the solutions
of v in the form
36tr!J/'!
C4 =
H-( 1 + 36 H2) Pi,2 = ± i \—, v3,i ^J (73)
line Jm de
so that the equation (25) has the form

24TTM* 72tt,1/ * that is, at least for low and moderate eccentricities
vl +
H( 1 + 36ff 2 ) 2 '' 3 + 1 + 36H 2
Jiaj.,
(74)

0-
^1,2,3,4 = ± «co0*; co0'1
2M* 1 - 36H 2 3671-W*2 ym de
X 1 +
H2 1 + 36/T
+ H 2 ( l + 36ff 2 )
= 0 (66)
tp a<p
since — = — . It follows that the bearing will oscillate without
It can now be seen readily that the stability conditions are not e de
satisfied. Indeed CO > 0, C , > 0, C 2 > 0, C 4 > 0, but C3 = 0, damping factors with the frequency co0*, which is the frequency
so that from the last condition (14) it follows corresponding to the spring constant of the bearing.
Consequently, the frequency of the undamped oscillations is
-C0C,2C4 > 0 (67) proportional to co(co* = co/2) or to H for low numbers H, but at
high numbers H, the frequency co* tends toward the bounded
which is not satisfied since all coefficients Co, C,, C4 are positive. value coo*.
Consequently, we have rediscovered the results already obtained These are the quantitative results which can be drawn: that is,
in some previous papers by using some more approximate methods for H = 0 the motion is unstable for any e and X; for small ec-
[4, 1], Thus, infinitely long gas-lubricated journal bearings centricity ratios and infinitely long bearings the motion is also un-
operating at low eccentricities (e —>- 0) are not stable, for any stable for any H, while in the extreme case, H —- , the motion is
values of H. neutrally stable. The stability equation (23) may also be used
A more comprehensive analysis of the coefficient C3 shows that in the case of higher eccentricities, but only by numerical methods
this one vanishes under much more general conditions. Thus (23) since the derivatives (53), (56), and (61) cannot be obtained in an
analytical form. However, some qualitative conclusions can be
= J _ (g, + ^L' _ (68) obtained from the stability equation (23).
m2e \ ' de dip de de dip)
Thus, in order to achieve stability, it is necessary first to
have C3 ^ 0 (that is, C 3 > 0) and at the same to satisfy the
for H -»- 0, C3 0 since CP, —• 0. At the same time for H —>• 00,last condition (14)
the same result (C 3 = 0 ) is obtained since (P„ 0 and a<P,/ac 0.
Consequently, it can be asserted that for H -*• 0, H —>- C3 = 0 C 3 ( C , C 2 - C0C3) - C V C . , > 0 (75)

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 Fig. 4 P a t h o f t h e j o u r n a l c e n t e r Fig. 5 Possible p a t h of the j o u r n a l
for a stable operation center for ail unstable operation f r o m
the small-perturbations stability point
of v i e w

For this purpose it is seen from (75) that the coefficient C2 (25)

r _ |~I r dC' 2M * 1 fbC' d C * _ dC< 0.1 0.2 OA 0.6081 2 4 6810 20 W6080100

2 H* ' be H2 e \d$> b'e be by)J H
Fig. 6 Stability criterion for q u a s i - r e s o n a n t conditions
(76)

or from (23)
m\_e be me \ o<p be
must be as great as possible.
From (68) it is seen that, if <P„ d(P,/de have great values, it
would be theoretically possible to find C3 > 0 since the first and
the last terms (68), which are positive, increase. At the same
time, the coefficient C2 in (76), (77) increases also if (P„ b(?,/be are
increasing, so that it is possible to have stability for high ec-
centricities. It follows also that, since the attitude angle de-
creases when the aspect ratio X is increased, the increasing of the
aspect ratio may have a positive effect. However, there exists
also a contrary effect, since when X increases the eccentricity de-
creases, so that a definite answer cannot be obtained with regard
to the influence of the aspect ratio.
From relation (76) it follows also that the increasing of the
parameter M* (24) may have a positive effect. As this parameter
depends especially on ip, it follows that the decreasing of the
clearance ratio improves the stability.
At the same time, one can see from Poritsky's idea [17] that a
c)(P
bearing can be stabilized by creating an artificial reaction <P„ —
be
(by external pressurization, multilob bearings, etc.) is also quali-
tatively verified. A similar situation occurs in bearings with small
clearance ratios \p or operating at high eccentricity ratios, since
the influence of the geometric defects of the surfaces leads then to
the increasing of the derivative b<P,/be (a situation similar to the
case of the multilob bearings).
We are reminded that Poritsky's method [17] was obtained by
. . . , , b(?n b(?„ b<?„
using some approximation, i.e., the values (P„, — , — r , — = 0,
be bip be
b<?,
— - are considered as having the magnitude corresponding to the
be
incompressible case. Consequently, this analysis, following which
a stable motion is found even for t = 0 in some conditions (small
H), is valid only for bearings operating at H —* 0 but having an
artificial spring constant b<f,/be, e.g., the externally pressurized
journal bearings operating at low numbers H. Under these con-
ditions the half-speed whirl is eliminated and it appears only in
the neighborhood of the resonant regime co* = co0*.
It is of interest to mention that following the present analysis,
instability means only that the perturbations increase with the
time, remaining not small as the theory requires. In other words,
we have not an unperiodical decrease, or an oscillating decreasing
of the perturbations (Fig. 4). For instance, the case represented
in Fig. 5 is an unstable one from the small perturbations theory
point of view, but the bearing can operate without damage.
Moreover, it is even possible by using a more exact treat-
ment, i.e., large perturbations and considering also other in-
fluences which can damp the perturbations, to obtain a stable
(77) operation, although the small perturbation theory gives in-
be bip J J
stability.
Consequently, in order to clarify completely the problem of
the stability of gas-lubricated journal bearings, more exact
studies are still necessary. Perhaps it will be quite useful to
imagine an analogic simulator as was done for liquid-lubricated
bearings [18]. We recall that in paper [18] no unstable regime
was found, but only trajectories of the type represented in Fig. 5.
However, if the frequency of the undamped or poorly damped
oscillations co* is equal to the eigen or natural frequency of the
bearing coo*, a resonant regime occurs, which can be regarded as a
pure unstable one and leads to the bearing failure. Such a regime
cannot, however, occur in this pure form, except perhaps some
special cases, as would be an externally pressurized bearing
operating at low numbers H. In such a case, Poritsky's method
[17] is approximately valid, since b(P,/be and co0* are almost not
depending on t and the frequency co* is proportional to the shaft
speed co. Therefore, for co = 2co0* the resonance takes place even
if the eccentricity has large variations.
In a plane journal bearing both co* and coo* are depending on
the eccentricity and on the number H, so that even when for a
given eccentricity it results co* = coo*, the large amplitude oscilla-
tions modify the eccentricity and therefore large amplitude oscil-
lations, but not a pure resonant regime, will occur.
We can estimate the conditions in which such regimes take
place, by using a simplified analysis. Thus, let us consider
co* = kj.o (78)
where ka = y 2 for low II numbers, but decreases with H. The
imposed condition would be then:
co* < co„* (79)
Taking into account relations (78) and (74), one obtains
2p0b bC,
co2 < (80)
ku2m\f/ be
or in dimensionless form
k, p2b
M* > M* = (81)
P<,m\p6
The minimum value co is obtained for maximum k u = V.)
and for minimum bC,/be, that is, for e -*- 0. For example, when
X = by considering the first relation (64), one obtains the
simple condition
M* > L t ^ (82)
144tt

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 A similar condition is obtained for finite bearings by properly de-
termining the derivative ()C ,/OE for various n.spect ratios /\ . The
results are graphically represented in Fig. 6. In using the sa.me
diagram, an estimative extremal curve was represented by a
dotted line, obtained from the same relation (80) where for DC ,JOE
a value corresponding to E = 0.8 and /\ = co ,. H = co was con-
sidered. The diagram in Fig. 6 is probably not true for high
numbers H since the parameter kw will be then no longer equal to
1/,. However, for small and moderate values of the number H it is
probable that Fig. 6 will give an approximate but simple picture
of the range within which the bearing will operate with strong
undamped oscillations. Under the same conditions, at 8. given
value M· it is less probable that the bearing could operate at
values H greater than those given by the dotted line in Fig. 6.
For example, in the case of a bearing having fl = 0.7 cm,
b = 2.8 cm(/\ = 2), 1n = 3 X 10-' kg sec/ml, w = 1.7°/00 ,oneob-
t{Lins M· = 0.026; and from Fig. 6 one sees that strong oscillations
are expected to occur for H > 0.33, i.e., beginning from a number
of revolutions per min of about 46,000, while experimentally
(19) strong undamped oscillations are observed beginning from
a number of revolutions n = 42,000-56,000.
The diagram of Fig. 6 is, however, approximate, and ita accuracy
must be improved by more exact calculations, e.g., by a numerical
large perturbations stability thcory . But of course such a dia-
gmm is needed as a final result concerning I hc dynamic be-
havior of gas-lubricated journal bearings.
6 Conclusions
From the considemtions given previously, SOIne conclusions
can be drawn with regard to the dynamic operation of gas-lubri-
cated journal bearings.
Thus, the analysis of the pressure differential equation reveals
the existence of a limiting solution both for high numbers Hand
for large values L, that is to say for motions with high tangential
speeds and for motions with high frequencies of the eccentricity.
Consequently, the compressibility has an important influence on
the squeeze effect in the sense that for high numbers, H or L, the
pressures depend only on the thickness h (or eccentricity ratio E)
and not on the derivative with respect to the time h (or E), as is the
case for incompressible films . It is seen thus that the damping
characteristics of the bearing nre decreasing with the number H so
that bearings operating at high numbers H are subjected to con-
stant amplitude oscillations having the frequency Wo· J which is
the natural frequency of the bearing assimilated with a spring.
The stability of gas-lubricated journal bearings can be studied
by using a small perturbation theory. According to this theory,
bearings operating at low eccentricity ratios are unstable for any
H. The same conclusion is drawn for bearings operating at any
eccentl'icity but for H - O. On the other hand, for H _ co
neutral stability is found for any eccentricity. It results thus
tlmt a more exact theory (large pel'tul'bations theory) is nece8SB.ry
in order to see whether the small perturbations unstability is in
aU conditions a pure ullstability, or only an oscillation with large
variations of the eccentricity.
Quasi-resonant conditions can also occur when the frequency
of undamped oscillation becomes equal to the bearing natuml fre-
quency. This allows the determination of a simple, but haU-
empirical approxima.te stability criterion presented in Fig. 6.
5 J. S. Ausman, "Linearized ph Stability Theory for Translatory
Half-Speed Whirl of Long, Self-Acting Gas-Lubricated Journal Bear-
ings," JOURNAL OF BASIC ENGINEERING, TRANS. ASME, Series D,
vol . 85, December, 1903, pp. 611-019.
6 R. A. McCann, "Stability of Unloaded Gas-Lubricated Bear-
ings," JOURNAL OF BASIC ENGINEERING, TR."-Ns. ASME, Series D.
vol. 85, December, ID63, pp. 513- 518.
7 C. W. Ng, "Linearized PH Stability Theory for Finite Length,
Self-Acting, Gas-Lubricated Plain Journal Bearings," published in
this issue, pp, 559-567.
8 C. H. T. Pan, " Some Basic Aspects in The Theory of Hydro·
dynamic Gas Journal Bearings," Report for the ONR Contract Nr.
2844 (00), September 14, 1960, ASTIA, Nr. AD.-245464.
9 N, Tipei, Liquid and Ga4J Film Lubricalion, Stanford Univ.
Press, Stanford, Calif., 1962.
10 C, H. T. Pan and B. Sternlicht, "On the Translatory Whirl
Motion of a Vertical Rotor in Plain Cylindrical Gas-Lubricated
Journal Bearings," JOURNAL OF BASIC ENOINEEntNO, TRANS.
ASME, Series D, vol. 84, 1\'I arch, 1962, pp. 152-158.
11 W. A. Michael, "Small Transient and Periodic Squeeze Motions
in Parallel Gas Films," IBM Research Report RJ-197. September
25, 1961.
12 A. A. Raimondi, "A Numerical Solution for the Gas-Lubri-
cated Journal Bearing of Finite Length," ALSE Trans., Academic
Press, Inc., vol. 4, 1961, pp. 131-155.
13 O. Pinkus and B. Sternlicht, Theory 0/ Hydrodynamic Ltlbrica-
tion, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., 1901.
14 B. Sternlicht, H. Poritsky, and E. Arwas, "Dynamic Stability
Aspects of Cylindrical Journal Bearings Using Compressible and In-
compressible Fluids," Proc. 0/ the 1st International Symposium on
Gas-Lubr1'ooled Bearin08, Washington, D. C., 1959, pp. 119- 100.
15 J. S. Ausman, "The Fluid Dynamic Theory of Gas-Lubricated
Bearings," TRANS. ASME, vol. 79, August, 1957, pp. 1218-1224.
16 W. 1. Harrison, "The Hydrodynamic Theory of Lubrication of
a Cylindrical Bearing Under Variable Load and of a Pivot Bearing,"
Trans. Cambridoe Phil. Soc., vol. XX, 1919, pp. 273- 300.
17 H. Poritsky, "Contribution to the Theory of Oil Whip,"
TRANS. ASME, vol. 75, August, 1953, pp. 1153-1161.
18 U. D. Jennings and F. W. Ocwirk, "The Simulation of Bearing
Whirl on an Electronic Analog Computer," JOURNAL OF BASIC
ENGINEEIHNO, TRANS. ASME, Series D. vol. 8,1, December, 1962, pp.
503- 510.
19 V. N . Constantinescu, "Sur In dynamique des paliers it air,"
Rev1le de Mican1q1le Appliq1lee, vol. VI, no. 3, 1961, pp. 3 17-330.

Relerences
1 V. N. Constantinescu, Lubrifieatia ell oaze (GasLllbrication)
Publishing House of the Academy of the R.P.R.. Bucharest, Rumania,
1963.
2 W . A. Gross, Gas Film Lubrication, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
New York, N. Y., 1962.
3 H. Poritsky, "A Notc on the Work Done on the Journal by the
Forces Exerted by a Compressible Lubricant in a Journal Bearing,"
JOURNAL 010' BASIC ENGINEERING, TRANS. ASl\'IE, Series D, vol. 84,
December, 1962, pp. 486-490
4 V. N. Constantinescu, "Dynamic Stability of Gas-Lubricated
Bcarings," Revue de Mecanique Appliquee, vol. IV, no, 4, 1959, pp.
627-642.

Journal 01 Basic Engineering SEPTEMBER 1965/587

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