Film Thickness In Terms Of Flow Coefficient And Flow Of Lubricant Calculator

Film Thickness Formula:

\[ h = \left( \frac{Q \times A_p \times \mu_l}{W \times q_f} \right)^{1/3} \]

Flow of Lubricant (Q):

m³/s

Total Projected Area of Bearing Pad (Aₚ):

m²

Dynamic Viscosity of Lubricant (μₗ):

Pa·s

Load Acting on Sliding Bearing (W):

Flow Coefficient (qₚ):

Oil Film Thickness (h):

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1. What is the Film Thickness Formula?

The film thickness formula calculates the thickness of the oil film between two surfaces in relative motion. It is derived from the relationship between lubricant flow, bearing area, viscosity, load, and flow coefficient.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the film thickness formula:

\[ h = \left( \frac{Q \times A_p \times \mu_l}{W \times q_f} \right)^{1/3} \]

Where:

\( h \) — Oil film thickness (m)
\( Q \) — Flow of lubricant (m³/s)
\( A_p \) — Total projected area of bearing pad (m²)
\( \mu_l \) — Dynamic viscosity of lubricant (Pa·s)
\( W \) — Load acting on sliding bearing (N)
\( q_f \) — Flow coefficient (dimensionless)

Explanation: The formula calculates the oil film thickness based on the balance between lubricant supply and the bearing load characteristics.

3. Importance of Oil Film Thickness Calculation

Details: Proper oil film thickness is crucial for preventing metal-to-metal contact, reducing friction and wear, and ensuring efficient operation of sliding bearings and other lubricated components.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units. Ensure all inputs are positive values for accurate calculation results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is oil film thickness important in bearing design?
A: Adequate oil film thickness prevents direct metal contact, reduces friction and wear, and ensures proper lubrication and cooling of bearing surfaces.

Q2: What factors affect oil film thickness?
A: Film thickness is influenced by lubricant viscosity, flow rate, bearing load, bearing geometry, and operating speed and temperature.

Q3: What is a typical range for oil film thickness?
A: Oil film thickness typically ranges from micrometers to tens of micrometers, depending on the application and operating conditions.

Q4: How does viscosity affect film thickness?
A: Higher viscosity generally increases film thickness, as it provides greater resistance to being squeezed out from between the surfaces.

Q5: What happens if the film thickness is too small?
A: Insufficient film thickness can lead to metal-to-metal contact, increased friction, wear, and potential bearing failure.