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Minimum Film Thickness Formula:
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Minimum film thickness is the lowest amount of the thickness of the oil film formed inside the sliding bearing. It is a critical parameter in bearing design as it affects lubrication effectiveness and bearing performance.
The calculator uses the Minimum Film Thickness formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum oil film thickness by subtracting the sum of eccentricity and journal radius from the bearing radius.
Details: Accurate calculation of minimum film thickness is crucial for determining proper lubrication, preventing metal-to-metal contact, ensuring bearing longevity, and maintaining optimal bearing performance under various operating conditions.
Tips: Enter radius of bearing, eccentricity, and radius of journal in meters. All values must be positive numbers with radius of bearing greater than the sum of eccentricity and journal radius for valid results.
Q1: Why is minimum film thickness important in bearing design?
A: Minimum film thickness determines the lubrication effectiveness and helps prevent direct metal contact between bearing surfaces, reducing wear and extending bearing life.
Q2: What factors affect minimum film thickness?
A: Factors include bearing geometry, operating speed, load conditions, lubricant viscosity, and temperature.
Q3: What are typical values for minimum film thickness?
A: Typical values range from micrometers to millimeters depending on bearing size and application, with sufficient thickness needed to separate surfaces completely.
Q4: How does eccentricity affect film thickness?
A: Increased eccentricity reduces the minimum film thickness, bringing bearing surfaces closer together under load.
Q5: When is this calculation most critical?
A: This calculation is most critical in high-load, high-speed applications where proper lubrication is essential for preventing bearing failure.