A note on the characteristics of some slider bearings

Summary The elementary theory of lubrication is applied to some slider bearings having different film shapes and the minimisation of the friction coefficient is particularly considered. The inadequacy of the mathematical model is shown since it involves, in the usually dealt with situations, discontinuities not present in physics, and the characteristics are given of a particular profile for which this difficulty is overcome.

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Sommario Si applica la teoria elementare della lubrificazione a diversi tipi di accoppiamenti prismatici e si considera, in particolare, la minimizzazione del coefficiente di attrito. Si mostra l'inadeguatezza del modello matematico che comporta, nei casi usualmente trattati, discontinuità non presenti nella realtà fisica e si danno le caratteristiche di una particolare coppia in cui questa difficoltà è superata.

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Nomenclature f reduced friction coefficient,f/(h ₁ /L) - f friction coefficient - F reduced load capacity,F _N h ₁ ² /VL ² - F _N load capaticy - h film thickness - L length of the slider - x longitudinal coordinate, dimensionless with respect toL - V velocity of the slider - inclination of the plane slider - viscosity of the lubricant This research was partially supported by the Italian Ministry for Education (M.P.I.).