Elastomer Viscoelasticity Effects in Compliant Surface Bearings

A bearing system using a compliant surface may be so constructed that the lubricant pressure distribution is either stationary or in motion relative to the elastomer. In the latter case the motion of the deformation in the elastomer introduces viscoelastic effects which can be important at conventional bearing velocities. This paper is concerned with the assessment of these effects. Steady state operating conditions are computed and analytical techniques presented for the infinite width slider and infinite length journal bearing.