Role of Inertia in Hydrodynamic Lubrication

Abstract

ON the basis of the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication presented by Prof. Osborne Reynolds in 1886¹, plane parallel surfaces in relative motion are incapable of developing a load-supporting oil film. This theory requires that the bearing surfaces be inclined to one another in the direction of motion. Recently, Mr. A. Fogg of the National Physical Laboratory reported² load capacities for parallel thrust surfaces, operating at high speeds, that were comparable to those obtained with conventional Michell or Kingsbury type thrust bearings. Similar results have also been noted by other researchers³.