Static and Dynamic Behavior of Spherical Hydrostatic Bearings: Theory and Experiments

A static and dynamic analysis is carried out for spherical hydrostatic bearings under conditions of incompressible flow. The usual static theory is shown to need the addition of quadratic loss effects in order to agree with experiments. Computer models of static and dynamic behavior agree well with experimental data. Procedures for estimating stiffness and damping are presented taking the extra quadratic losses into account. Comparison with circular recess bearings shows that spherical bearings appear capable of higher damping ratio for the same size bearing.