Performance of Balancing Wedge Action in Textured Hydrodynamic Pad Bearings

This study investigates a mechanism of textured features taking into account the balance of moment termed "balancing wedge action." The principle of the suggested mechanism is that a change in moment applied to the lubricated area by incorporating textured features promotes the entire wedge action over the lubricated area. In the current study, multiple dimples are created on the stationary surface of an infinite pad bearing. A one-dimensional incompressible Reynolds equation is solved numerically to determine the load-carrying capacity of infinite pad bearings with a centrally located pivot. Numerical results show the importance of the balancing wedge action. When multiple dimples are created at the inlet side or outlet side of the lubricated area, positive load-carrying capacity is realized. When multiple dimples are located around the central area, no balance solution is obtained for the pad. The dimple depth, width, and distribution are varied to investigate the behavior of the load-carrying capacity realized by the action of the balancing wedge.