A Self-Circulating Porous Bearing with a Wrapped-Around Reservoir

All tribological systems consisting of moving/rotating parts need continuous lubrication, temperature control, reduced friction as means to ensure a smooth operation regime. Common for these systems is an external pressure source that carries lubricant to the system and withdraws the used and heated lubricant away from the system. This circuit usually consists of motor actuated pumps, pipes and tubes. The research herein offers a feasibility study for a new, revolutionary type of bearing, which excludes such an external circuit; instead, it is being characterized by a self-contained lubricating mechanism. This bearing has a stationary porous bushing whose inner diameter faces the bearing clearance, while the outer one faces a wrap-around reservoir. The eccentric shaft generates pressure difference ensuring the fluid to circulate naturally between these two regions.

Autorentext

The author received her B.S. and M. Sc. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Romania, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Akron and was an Postdoctoral Research Associate at Boston University.