Influence of angular misalignment and triangular surface waviness on the performance of hybrid air journal bearings

Purpose This study aims to explore the bearing performance change rule under different tilt angle, tilt center and surface waviness, providing theoretical guidance for the production of actual aerostatic bearings. Design/methodology/approach Using the finite difference method and stepwise iteration method, the bearing area is discretized in space, and the Reynolds equation is solved quickly. Findings The change of tilt center will aggravate the unbalanced distribution of gas film pressure and thickness in axial and circumferential directions, and eventually lead to the monotonically regular change of bearing performance. Bearing performance is improved under specific triangular radial waviness parameters. Originality/value Previous literature has paid little attention to the case of tilt center misalignment, which is discussed in detail in this paper. According to common sense, the surface roughness of the bearing will be harmful to the performance, but from the results of this paper, the performance of the bearing can be improved under the specific surface waviness parameters. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2024-0457/