Static characteristics of the liquid crystal journal bearing

Abstract

This paper describes the properties of the journal bearing using liquid crystal (LC) as a lubricating oil in order to realize the real-time control of the hydrodynamic lubrication characteristic. We focused on the pressure distribution especially in negative pressure region. The measurement of negative pressure and observation of oil film rupture were carried out under applying the voltage. The results showed that the oil film rupture region of the liquid crystal was a little narrower than it of the mineral oil, and that oil film rupture region of the liquid crystal expands by applying the voltage.