Optimum Gas Journal Bearing with Open Bearing Ends and Feeder Slot

The optimum design of the cylindrical outer contours of a gas journal bearing is obtained using the methods of the calculus of variations with allowance for the lubricant leakage through the bearing ends and the feeder slot when the lubricant mass in the working gap is conserved. The variational problem of designing the clearance shape giving the maximum bearing load capacity is formulated and solved. A modified Elrod-Burgdorfer condition for the pressure is used.