1. What is Minimum Film Thickness?

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 and lubrication analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( h° \) — Minimum film thickness (m)
• \( c \) — Radial clearance for bearing (m)
• \( \varepsilon \) — Eccentricity Ratio of Journal Bearing

Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum oil film thickness in a journal bearing based on radial clearance and eccentricity ratio.

3. Importance of Minimum Film Thickness Calculation

Details: Accurate minimum film thickness calculation is crucial for determining bearing performance, predicting wear patterns, and ensuring proper lubrication in mechanical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter radial clearance in meters and eccentricity ratio (0-1). All values must be valid (clearance > 0, eccentricity ratio between 0-1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is minimum film thickness important in bearing design?
A: Minimum film thickness determines the lubrication effectiveness and helps prevent metal-to-metal contact, reducing wear and extending bearing life.

Q2: What are typical values for eccentricity ratio?
A: Eccentricity ratio typically ranges from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating more eccentric journal position within the bearing.

Q3: How does radial clearance affect film thickness?
A: Larger radial clearance generally results in thicker minimum film thickness, assuming constant eccentricity ratio.

Q4: What factors influence minimum film thickness?
A: Load, speed, viscosity, clearance, and eccentricity all influence the minimum film thickness in journal bearings.

Q5: When is this calculation most critical?
A: This calculation is most critical in high-speed or heavily loaded applications where proper lubrication is essential for bearing survival.