Fluid Bearings

Fluid bearings are a type of bearing that uses a thin layer of fluid, such as oil or water, to support the rotating shaft and reduce friction between the shaft and the bearing. Unlike rolling element bearings, fluid bearings do not have any physical contact between the rotating and stationary components.

In fluid bearings, the rotating shaft is supported by a thin film of fluid that is maintained by the pressure generated by the motion of the shaft. This results in very low friction and wear, which can lead to longer bearing life and reduced maintenance.

Fluid bearings are commonly used in high-speed applications, such as in turbines, compressors, and generators. They are also used in precision machinery, such as machine tools, where high accuracy and stability are required.

One advantage of fluid bearings is that they can operate at very high speeds without the risk of bearing failure due to excessive centrifugal forces. Additionally, fluid bearings can provide a high degree of damping, which can help to reduce vibration and noise. However, they require a constant supply of fluid and can be more expensive and complex to design and maintain compared to other types of bearings.