Hydrodynamic Lubrication of Thrust Bearings with Rectangular Fixed-Incline-Pads

Pad bearings are widely used in industry and the lubrication of pad bearings is a fundamental problem in lubrication theory [(1,2)]. The existing analytical work normally assumes constant viscosity and ideal pad surfaces. For a two-dimensional (2D) Reynolds’ equation considering side leakage, even with Newtonian, incompressible, and iso-viscous lubricant, there are only a few analytical solutions available and are summarized as follows: Michell [(3)], for the first time in the history of tribology, presented a solution to the problem of a rectangular pad. Dowson [(4)] points out that: “… he solved a most difficult analytical problem and immediately invented an outstanding mechanical device to execute the required function. … Michell was the first to obtain solutions which took account of side-leakage …. This was a truly remarkable achievement. … the feat was even then regarded by some as the only really important...