Thin Film Lubrication and Gas-Lubricated Bearings

ENG-649 / 2 credits

Teacher(s): Invited lecturers (see below), Schiffmann Jürg Alexander

Language: English

Remark: Next time: June 2027 in Microcity (EPFL Neuchatel)

Frequency

Every year

Summary

This course introduces thin film lubrication and its applications to gas-lubricated bearings, including rotordynamics to enable the assessment of the operation of gas-bearing supported rotors.

Content

  • Derivation of Reynolds equations
  • Hydrodynamic slider bearing
  • Infinite-length journal bearing
  • Finite length slider
  • Finite length aerodynamic bearing
  • Dynamic grooved bearings
  • Real gas effects
  • Condensation
  • Practical implementation of gas-lubricated bearings
  • Rotordynamics

Note

Deadline to register: May 16th, 2025 at 7pm at the latest

Keywords

Thin film lubrication, gas-lubricated bearings, rotordynamics

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Fluid mechanics, dynamical systems

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Select appropriately models to design gas-bearing supported rotors as a function of the operating conditions and applications.

Assessment methods

Students will have to prepare a short report about the numerical implementation of two
problems chosen among the proposed ones. A presence of at least 75% of the lessons is
requested together with the report to receive the credits.

Resources

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Number of places: 15
  • Exam form: Project report (session free)
  • Subject examined: Thin Film Lubrication and Gas-Lubricated Bearings
  • Courses: 28 Hour(s)
  • Project: 6 Hour(s)
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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