Design and optimization of fluid lubricated bearings operated with extreme working performances—a comprehensive review

Abstract

Highlights Design and optimization of fluid lubricated bearings operated with extreme working performances are comprehensively reviewed. Techniques related to ultra-high precision aerostatic bearings, ultra-high speed aerodynamic bearings, ultra-heavy load hydrostatic bearings and ultra-high temperature hydrodynamic bearings are all involved. Mutual problems existed in the bearing field including the characterization of the microscopic flow field, the coupling modeling of multi-physics and the management of thermal effect are discussed. Recent developments related to the adaptation of advanced materials in the bearing field, like the magnetorheological fluids, the supercritical carbon dioxide and the liquid metal, are included. Current challenges, current solutions, underlying deficiencies and promising developing directions regarding to the design and optimization of fluid lubricated bearings are systematically pointed out.