Investigations on a permanent magnetic–hydrodynamic hybrid journal bearing

In the present work, a permanent magnetic–hydrodynamic hybrid journal bearing is developed. The force of the journal bearing comes from the hydrodynamic film and the permanent magnetic field. When a hydrodynamic film does not form, such as during starting and stopping a machine, the journal bearing relies on the magnetic force to support the rotor system. This paper studies a model of the permanent magnetic force and develops an experimental rig of the journal bearing. Experiments show that the hydrodynamic film force uncouples with the magnetic force in the journal bearing. Predictions from the model are compared with experimental data.