Evaluation of EHD film thickness for cryogenic fluids

Some aerospace rocket engine applications require that bearings operate at high speeds with cryogenic rocket fuel as the only liquid lubricant. Analyses and field data on these bearings indicate that life would be limited to a few minutes if they operated unlubricated. The extent to which cryogenic fluids are capable of generating elastohydrodynamic films is, therefore, an area of concern and is investigated in this paper. Results from experimental and analytical work at the authors' laboratories indicate sufficient films are not generated to lubricate the bearing reliably. This conclusion is supported by experimental data and analysis which show liquid nitrogen, the cryogenic fluid tested, to be isoviscous.