Fasteners , joints and bearings

Fasteners is a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more

objects together like ; bolts , screws, nuts .
Fasteners can be found in regular household appliances to high tech gizmos.
Fasteners are used in just about everything. You might not think about them but they
play a crucial role in our lives. Be it, holding together the tables and chairs that we sit on
or your automobile, everything we use relies on a fastener. There is no way around it.

Fasteners are used as a non-permanent joint. For those of you that do not know what a
non-permanent joint means, it is a joint that can be dismantled or removed without
causing damage or destruction to the joining components. On the other hand, a riveted
joint or a welding joint would be classified as a permanent joint since they would cause
damage or destruction if removed. A fastener is like a screw thread. The female part is
the internal thread, while the male part is the external thread of the screw. A fastened
joint can be created in various ways.

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Materials Used For Producing

Fasteners
The following materials are used for creating fasteners.

 Aluminium

 Titanium

 Stainless Steel

 Alloy Steel

 Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is the most commonly used material for manufacturing fasteners. Titanium is used
for aircraft applications and aluminium is used for light applications..

Types of fasteners and their uses

Nails
Let’s start with the simplest fastener type: the nail. Although they come in
several varieties, from roofing nails to ring shank nails, or straightforward
carpentry nails, these fasteners are all characterized by the fact that they
are straight, usually unthreaded, have flat heads, and are inserted by
hammering.

Nuts and bolts

Bolts are probably the most common type of fastener. They are used to
hold unthreaded components together and work in tandem with nuts. They
have external male threads on one end and a hexagonal head and are
tightened using a wrench. Because nuts are used with unthreaded
components and, unlike screws, don’t provide holding power by way of their
thread, they need to be installed with the aid of a nut. Nuts are ringlike
fasteners that are attached to the ends of bolts. The different types of bolts
include hex-head bolts, eye bolts, carriage bolts and u-bolts.

Screws
Screws are similar to bolts. They also have a male thread that starts right at
the tip and usually covers the entire length of the screw. The heads of
screws can come in many shapes and sizes, and there is an astonishing
array of screws for all kinds of projects and materials. Unlike bolts, screws
rely on their threads to maintain their hold. Most screws are self-tapping,
meaning that they cut a thread into the material as they are screwed in.
Among the many different types of stainless steel screws available are
wood screws, deck screws, hex lag screws, self-drilling screws, and
machine screws.

Rivets
Rivets are permanent fasteners that can be used to fasten all kinds of
materials. They are incredibly lightweight and have a low profile against the
surface of the material being fastened. Holes do not need to be threaded
when rivets are used, but a special gun – a pop riveter – has to be used for
application. Once a rivet is in place, it forms a permanent bond and cannot
be removed. Rivets are preferred fasteners for the aerospace industry.

Washers
Washers are rings that are used in conjunction with nuts and bolts, being
placed under the heads of nuts, joints or axle bearings. They are used for
several different purposes, such as to alleviate friction, to allow more even
distribution of pressure from the nut on the fastened component, to
eliminate leakage, isolate components or prevent loosening due to
vibration.

Anchors
Anchors are mainly used to secure steel to concrete or to materials such as
epoxy or polyester resin. They work by transferring tensile force to the
substrate (i.e., the concrete or similar material). They come in several
different forms, such as acoustical wedge anchors, bonded anchors, double
expansion shield anchors, drop-in anchors, hammer drive pin anchors, and
screw anchors.

Inserts
Inserts are mainly used for reinforcement. They are often dropped into
holes where the thread has eroded, making way for a smaller stud or bolt to
be inserted to restore strength to the joint. They are also used as keys in
rotating machinery or to fasten anchor bolts to hanging pipelines. Among
the different types of inserts are dowel pins, threaded and unthreaded rods,
keys, and helical threaded inserts.

These are the most typical categories of fasteners. Others include marine
fasteners, sockets, fine pitch screws and nuts, turnbuckles, hose clamps,
brackets and plates. Marsh Fasteners stocks them all.

Advantages of Fasteners

Easy Installation and Disassembly

Fasteners are easy to install and remove, making them practical for a wide
range of uses. They can be swiftly installed with everyday tools like
screwdrivers and wrenches. This simplicity saves time and effort, which is
especially valuable in large-scale manufacturing and construction projects.
Moreover, the ability to disassemble fasteners without damaging
components allows for effortless maintenance, repairs, and modifications.

High Strength and Durability

Fasteners deliver robust and durable connections, ensuring stability and

integrity. Materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel are
crafted to offer high tensile strength and resistance to mechanical stresses,
making them ideal for demanding tasks. These materials perform
consistently across various temperatures and environmental conditions,
making them suitable for critical applications in construction, automotive,
and aerospace industries.

Versatility in Application

Fasteners are incredibly versatile, available in numerous types, sizes, and

materials to suit diverse applications. Whether joining metal, plastic, wood,
or composites, a fastener exists to meet specific needs. For example,
stainless steel fasteners excel in resisting corrosion, perfect for marine and
outdoor uses, while plastic fasteners are ideal for electrical insulation and
chemical resistance. This versatility ensures reliability across industries,
from electronics to furniture assembly.

Resistance to Movement

Fasteners are engineered to resist movement and keep components

securely in place, even under dynamic conditions. Threaded fasteners like
bolts and screws create a tight grip, preventing loosening from vibrations or
mechanical stresses. For instance, in automotive assemblies, fasteners
ensure parts remain secure despite constant vibrations. Lock washers and
lock nuts provide additional security by increasing friction and tension,
crucial for applications requiring stability and precision.

Instant Joining Effect

Fasteners provide an immediate joining effect, securing components as

soon as they are installed. This capability is advantageous in assembly
lines and construction sites, where speed and efficiency are paramount.
Unlike adhesives or welding, which need curing or cooling times, fasteners
allow immediate use of the assembled components, enabling quick
adjustments and real-time testing of joints.

Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steel and alloy fasteners offer significant corrosion resistance,

withstanding moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive environments.
Stainless steel fasteners resist rust, making them ideal for outdoor, marine,
and industrial applications. Alloy fasteners, protected by their layers,
prevent damage from environmental factors, extending the lifespan of joints
and reducing maintenance needs.

Cost and Maintenance Benefits

Though some fasteners, like stainless steel and titanium, might have a
higher upfront cost, they yield long-term savings due to their durability and
minimal maintenance requirements. For instance, stainless steel fasteners
resist rust and corrosion, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Alloy fasteners maintain high performance over time, minimizing
maintenance costs. Meanwhile, plastic fasteners offer a cost-effective
solution for less demanding applications, providing durability and
environmental resistance at a lower cost.

Organizational Convenience

Fasteners are often pre-packaged and organized, offering convenience for

both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. This packaging simplifies inventory
management, reduces the risk of losing small components, and keeps
workspaces tidy. With organized fasteners, users can quickly find and use
the right ones for their projects, enhancing efficiency and reducing
downtime during assembly and maintenance tasks.

Summary of Key Advantages

 Easy installation and removal streamline assembly and

maintenance.

 High strength and durability ensure stable and reliable connections.

 Versatility allows for diverse applications across industries.

 Resistance to movement maintains stability under dynamic

conditions.

 Instant joining effect speeds up the assembly process.

 Corrosion resistance extends the lifespan of joints in harsh

environments.

 Cost and maintenance benefits offer long-term savings.

 Organizational convenience enhances efficiency and tidiness.

Disadvantages of Fasteners

Disadvantages of Fasteners

Fasteners, while essential for joining materials, come with several

drawbacks that can impact structural integrity and performance.

Additional Weight

Fasteners add weight, which can be a problem in industries like aerospace

where every gram counts. This additional weight can affect performance,
fuel efficiency, and overall design constraints.

Structural Integrity Concerns

Using fasteners generally necessitates drilling holes into the materials

being joined. These holes can weaken the structural integrity of the
components, making them more susceptible to stress and potential failure.
Fasteners also create fixed points of tension within the materials, which can
become stress concentrators and make the material more vulnerable to
cracking or breaking under load.

Risk of Corrosion and Loosening Over Time

Corrosion weakens fasteners, risking failure, while vibrations can cause

them to loosen, necessitating regular checks. This is particularly concerning
in high-stress applications where maintaining material strength is crucial.

Potential for Cross-Threading

Misaligning threads during installation can damage them, leading to

improper fastening. This issue often requires additional time and effort to
correct or may necessitate replacing the fastener altogether.

Specialized Tools and Complexity

Fasteners often require specific tools, increasing project costs and

complexity. The need for pre-drilled holes and thread locker compounds
further complicates the installation process, making it less straightforward
compared to other joining methods.

Installation and Removal Difficulties

Installing and removing fasteners can be slow and may damage materials,
especially if rusted. Screws, in particular, can be slower to install and may
require more tools. Additionally, removing fasteners can sometimes cause
damage to the material, particularly if the fastener has rusted or if nails are
used.

Cost

The expense of high-strength fasteners and necessary tools can be a

significant budget concern. This cost includes not only the fasteners
themselves but also the tools required for their installation. In some cases,
the overall expense can be a limiting factor in their use.

Durability, Strength, and Maintenance Challenges

Not all fasteners are suitable for every application. For instance, nails have
weaker holding power compared to screws and are more susceptible to
loosening from vibrations or impacts. In some applications, the fasteners
may not be strong or durable enough for long-term use, necessitating
frequent inspections and replacements. Additionally, some fasteners, such
as rivets and certain types of screws, are difficult to disassemble or repair,
posing challenges during modifications or maintenance.

Aesthetic and Structural Concerns

Visible fasteners can detract from appearance and require pre-drilled holes,
potentially weakening structures. Mechanical fasteners can also create
fixed points of tension, making surfaces more prone to breakage.

Sensitivity to Environmental Factors

Exposure to vibrations, heat, or corrosive elements can loosen fasteners,

leading to potential joint failures. These conditions can cause fasteners to
loosen or fail, potentially leading to joint failures or the need for frequent
maintenance.

Some photos about fasteners

 Joints
™ Joints are an extremely important part of any structure. ™ Whether held
together by bolts or rivets or weldmelts or adhesives or something else,
joints make complex structures and machines possible. ™ Bolted joints, at
least, also make disassembly and reassembly possible.
 Types of Shear Joints :

™ Shear joints are found almost exclusively in structural steel work. ™ Such
joints can be assembled with either rivets or bolts. ™ Since the early 1950s,
bolts have steadily gained in popularity. ™ Two basic types of joint are used,
lap and butt, shown in the next slide. ™ These are further defined as being
either (1) friction-type joints, where the fasteners create a significant
clamping force on the joint and the resulting friction between joint
members prevents joint slip, or (2) bearing-type joints, where the fasteners
act as points to prevent slip.

Types of mechanical joints and their uses

Mechanical joints are the connecting elements that bring different

components together in a myriad of structures, devices, and machinery.
Understanding the various types of mechanical joints is fundamental for
engineers, designers, and anyone involved in the world of mechanical
systems. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of
different joint types, their applications, and the critical role they play in
ensuring stability, functionality, and longevity in mechanical assemblies.

1. Welded Joints:
Welding is one of the oldest and most common methods of joining metals.
This involves melting and fusing the materials at the joint to create a strong,
permanent connection. Welded joints find applications in structures,
pipelines, automotive components, and more. Various welding techniques,
such as arc welding, TIG welding, and MIG welding, cater to different
materials and design requirements.

2. Bolted Joints:
Bolted joints involve using bolts, nuts, and washers to connect components.
This method allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and maintenance.
Bolted joints are prevalent in machinery, automotive systems, and structural
constructions. Proper tightening and torque application are crucial to
ensuring the integrity of these joints.
3. Riveted Joints:
Although less common in contemporary applications, riveted joints played a
significant role in historical constructions like bridges and ships. Rivets are
inserted into pre-drilled holes and then hammered or compressed to form a
secure connection. While riveting has largely been replaced by welding and
bolting, it remains a symbol of industrial heritage.

4. Adhesive Joints:
Adhesive joints use adhesives or glues to bond materials together. This
method is ideal for joining dissimilar materials or those with irregular shapes.
Mechanical joints are the connecting elements that bring different
components together in a myriad of structures, devices, and machinery.
Understanding the various types of mechanical joints is fundamental for
engineers, designers, and anyone involved in the world of mechanical
systems. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of
different joint types, their applications, and the critical role they play in
ensuring stability, functionality, and longevity in mechanical assemblies.

5. Threaded Joints:
Threaded joints utilise screws, nuts, and bolts to connect components with
threaded features. This method offers precision in alignment and is
frequently found in assemblies requiring adjustments or fine-tuning.
Threaded joints are prevalent in machinery, furniture, and electronic devices.

6. Pinned Joints:
Pinned joints involve the use of pins or dowels to connect two or more
components. This method allows for rotational movement and is often used
in linkages, hinges, and other applications where controlled motion is
required.
7. Snap-Fit Joints:
Snap-fit joints are prevalent in plastic components and involve designing
interlocking features that "snap" together. This method is commonly used in
the assembly of consumer products, electronic devices, and automotive
interiors due to its ease of assembly and disassembly.

Conclusion:
The diversity of mechanical joints reflects the multifaceted nature of
engineering and design. Each type of joint serves a specific purpose,
addressing unique challenges in different applications. By understanding the
characteristics, advantages, and limitations of various mechanical joints,
engineers can make informed decisions to ensure the structural integrity,
functionality, and longevity of their creations. As technology advances, the
evolution of new joint types and innovative joining methods continues to
shape the landscape of mechanical engineering, emphasising the importance
of staying abreast of emerging technologies in this dynamic field.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

1. Flexibility:
- U-joints can accommodate angular misalignment between connected
shafts, making them useful in applications where precise alignment is
not possible.
2. Compact Design:
- They are relatively small and lightweight, allowing for more compact
designs in machinery and vehicles.
3. Cost-Effective:
- Universal joints are generally less expensive than other types of
couplings, such as constant velocity joints, making them a popular
choice in various applications.
4. Durability:
- When properly lubricated and maintained, U-joints can withstand
significant wear and tear, providing a long service life.
5. Simplicity:
- The design of a universal joint is straightforward, which simplifies
manufacturing and maintenance.
Disadvantages

1. Variable Speed and Motion:

- U-joints can cause variations in speed and motion at the output shaft,
especially at higher angles, which can lead to vibrations and
inefficiencies.
2. Limited Angle Capacity:
- They are typically limited to a maximum operating angle (usually
around 30 degrees), beyond which performance degrades significantly.
3. Wear and Tear:
- Over time, U-joints can wear out, especially if not adequately
lubricated, leading to noise, vibration, and potential failure.
4. Complexity in Multi-Joint Applications:
- In systems requiring multiple U-joints, the cumulative effect of angular
misalignment can complicate performance and increase maintenance
needs.
5. Torque Limitations:
- U-joints have a maximum torque capacity, and exceeding this limit can
lead to failure or damage.
Summary
Universal joints are valuable components in various mechanical systems due to
their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. However, they also have limitations
regarding angular capacity and torque, which should be considered in design
and application.

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Bearings
A bearing is a machine element that constrains relative motion to only the desired motion and
reduces friction between moving parts.

What Is the Purpose of Bearings?

The main purpose of bearings is to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact between two
elements that are in relative motion. This prevents friction, heat generation and ultimately,
the wear and tear of parts. It also reduces energy consumption as sliding motion is replaced
with low-friction rolling.
They also transmit the load of the rotating element to the housing. This load may be radial,
axial, or a combination of both. A bearing also restricts the freedom of movement of moving
parts to predefined directions as discussed above.

Rolling Element Bearings

Rolling element bearings contain rolling elements in the shape of balls or cylinders. We
know that it is easier to roll a wheel than slide it on the ground as the magnitude of rolling
friction is lower than sliding friction. The same principle is in work here. Rolling element
bearings are used to facilitate the free movement of parts in rotational motion.

Even when we need linear motion in applications, it is easy to convert rotational motion to
sliding motion. Consider an escalator or a conveyor. Even though the motion is linear, it is
powered by rollers that are driven by motors.

Another example is a reciprocating pump that can convert rotational energy from a motor
into translational motion with the help of linkages. In each of these applications, ball bearings
are used to support motor shafts as well as shafts of other rollers in the assembly.

Rolling elements carry the load without much friction as the sliding friction is replaced with
rolling friction. Rolling element bearings can be subdivided into two major types: ball
bearings and roller bearings.

Types of bearings and their uses

Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are one of the most common types of bearing classes used. It consists of a
row of balls as rolling elements. They are trapped between two annulus-shaped metal
pieces. These metal pieces are known as races. The inner race is free to rotate while the
outer race is stationary.

Ball bearings provide very low friction during rolling but have limited load-carrying capacity.
This is because of the small area of contact between the balls and the races. They can
support axial loads in two directions besides radial loads.

Ball bearings are used for controlling oscillatory and rotational motion. For example, in
electrical motors where the shaft is free to rotate but the motor housing is not, ball bearings
are used to connect the shaft to the motor housing.

Depending on the application, different types of ball bearings are available to choose from.

Advantages of ball bearings:

 Good wear resistance
 Do not need much lubrication
 Provide low friction, thus little energy loss
 Long service life
 Easy to replace
 Small general dimensions
 Comparatively cheap
 Can handle thrust loads

Disadvantages of ball bearings:

 May break due to shocks

 Can be quite loud
 Cannot handle large weights

Deep Groove Ball Bearings

When to Use Ball Bearings?

So let’s outline some of the working conditions that may require a ball bearing.

1. Thrust loads are present. Ball bearings’ design makes them capable of withstanding axial
loads.
2. No heavy loads. Due to having ball-shaped rolling elements, the bearings concentrate all the
force onto a few points of contact. This can result in early failure with high loads.
3. High speeds. The ball bearing’s small point of contact also means less friction. So there is
less resistance to overcome and thus it is easier to achieve high speeds with these types of
bearings.
 Roller Bearings
Roller bearings contain cylindrical rolling elements instead of balls as load-carrying elements
between the races. An element is considered a roller if its length is longer than its diameter
(even if only slightly). Since they are in line contact with the inner and outer races (instead of
point contact as in the case of ball bearings), they can support greater loading.

Roller bearings are also available in various types. The appropriate type may be selected
after considering the type and magnitude of loading, service conditions, and the possibility of
misalignment among other factors.

Advantages of roller bearings:

 Easy maintenance
 Low friction
 Can take high radial loads
 Tapered roller bearings can withstand high axial loads
 Great accuracy
 Used to adjust the axial displacement
 Low vibrations

Disadvantages of roller bearings:

 Noisy
 Quite expensive

Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Cylindrical roller bearings are the simplest of the roller bearings family. These
bearings can face the challenges of heavy radial loading and high speed. They also offer
excellent stiffness, axial load transmission, low friction, and long service duration.

The load capacity can be increased further by obviating the use of cages or retainers that
are usually in place to hold the cylindrical rollers. This permits the fitting of more rollers to
carry the load.

They are available as single-row, double-row and four-row types. They also come in split
and sealed variants.

Split variants are used for areas that are difficult to access such as engine crankshafts. In
sealed variants, the bearing contamination is prevented and the lubricant is retained making
it a maintenance-free option.

Spherical Roller Bearings

Heavy radial and axial loads can be a greater challenge when the shaft is prone to
misalignment.

This situation can be handled very well by spherical roller bearings. Spherical roller
bearings have high load-carrying capacities and can manage misalignment between
the shaft and housing. This reduces maintenance costs and improves service life.

Spherical roller bearing raceways are inclined at an angle to the bearing axis. Instead of
straight sides, the rollers have spherical sides that fit onto the spherical raceways and
accommodate small misalignments.

Spherical roller bearings have a wide range of use cases. They are used in applications
where heavy loads, moderate to high speeds and possible misalignment occur. Some
examples are off-road vehicles, pumps, mechanical fans, marine propulsion, wind turbines,
and gearboxes.

Tapered Roller Bearings

The tapered roller bearing contains sections of a cone as a load-carrying element. These
rollers fit between the two races that are also sections of a hollow cone. If the races and the
axes of rollers were extended, they would all meet at a common point.

Tapered roller bearings are designed to handle higher axial loads besides radial loads. The
larger the half-angle of this common cone, the more axial load it can sustain. Thus they work
as thrust bearings as well as radial load bearings.

Tapered roller bearings are used in back-to-back pairs so that axial forces can be supported
equally in either direction.

Needle Roller Bearings

Needle roller bearing is a special type of roller bearing that has cylindrical rollers that
resemble needles because of their small diameter.

Normally, the length of rollers in roller bearings is only slightly more than its diameter. When
it comes to needle bearings, the length of rollers exceeds their diameter by at least four
times.

As needle roller bearings have a smaller diameter, more rollers can be fit in the same space
which increases the surface area in contact with the races. Thus, they are capable of
handling high loads. The small size can also prove helpful in applications where space is
limited as they require smaller clearances between the axle and the housing.

Needle bearings are used in automobile components such as transmission and rocker arm
pivots. They are also used in compressors and pumps.

Thrust Roller Bearings

 Thrust roller bearings are designed to sustain high axial loads and are available with
three types of rollers: cylindrical, tapered and spherical. These bearings offer high axial
rigidity and are well-suited for heavy loads.

Cylindrical roller thrust bearings have good axial load-carrying capacity and are relatively
cheap. These bearings should be avoided if there are any radial loads present. Compared
to thrust ball bearings they tend to wear quicker due to higher friction. They are not suited for
high speeds due to the differential sliding of the rollers.

Tapered roller thrust bearings can tolerate slight eccentricity that occurs between the shaft
and housing during operation. There is no real difference between tapered roller thrust
bearings and tapered roller bearings and the amount of axial loads these bearings can
tolerate, alongside radial loads, depends on the half angles of the cones. They can support
greater thrust loads than thrust ball bearings due to the larger contact area but are more
expensive to manufacture.

Spherical roller thrust bearings are designed to take heavy axial loads in one direction and
accommodate some radial loads as well. They are self-aligning and are thus unaffected by
mounting errors and shaft deflection.

When to Use Roller Bearings?

Roller bearings are the most common alternative to ball bearings. So let’s determine what
kind of working conditions are best suited for this type of bearing.

1. Heavy loads. Roller bearings provide a considerably larger area of contact, distributing the
load more evenly. Thus, they are less prone to failure and can withstand high forces.
2. Lower speeds. This, again, comes down to the contact area. There is more friction which
can result in higher temperature generation and quicker wear.
Plain Bearings

A plain bearing is the simplest type of bearing. It usually only consists of a bearing
surface. There are no rolling elements.

The bearing is basically a sleeve mounted on the shaft and it fits into the bore, thus it is
sometimes referred to as a sleeve bearing. Plain bearings are inexpensive, compact and
lightweight. They have high load-carrying capacity.

Plain bearings are used for rotational, sliding, reciprocating or oscillatory motion. The
bearing remains fixed while the journal slides on the bearing’s inner surface. To facilitate
smooth movement, material pairs with low coefficients of friction are selected. Different
types of copper alloys, for example, are pretty common.

This bearing can accommodate some misalignment, multi-directional movements, and is

suitable for static as well as dynamic loads. Plain bearings are used extensively in
applications in the agriculture, automotive, marine, and construction industries.

The gudgeon pin that connects the piston to the connecting rod in diesel engines is
connected through a plain bearing.
The spherical bearing is also a plain bearing, although it consists of 2 parts – the inner ring
and the outer ring. Although it looks similar to ball and roller bearings from the outset, they
have no rolling elements between the two rings.

Fluid Bearings

Fluid bearings rely on pressurised gas or liquid to carry the load and eliminate
friction. These bearings are used to replace metallic bearings in applications where they
would have a short life in addition to high noise and vibration levels.
They are also increasingly being used to cut costs. Fluid bearings are used in machines that
work at high speeds and loads. While the initial costs are higher, the longer lifespan in tough
conditions makes up for it in the longer run.

When the machine is running, there is zero contact between the two elements (except
during the start and stop) and hence it is possible to achieve near zero wear with fluid
bearings.

Fluid bearings are classified into two types: hydrostatic and hydrodynamic bearings.

Hydrostatic Bearings

In this type, an externally pressurised fluid is forced between two elements that are in
relative motion. The pressurised fluid forms a wedge between the moving parts and keeps
them apart. The fluid layer may be very thin but as long as there is no direct contact, there
will not be any wear.

The fluid is circulated by means of a pump. The exit orifice diameter may be adjustable to
ensure the fluid is always under pressure at all shaft speeds and loads. Thus, precise gap
control is possible.

Hydrodynamic Bearings

This type of bearing utilises the motion of the journal to force the fluid between the shaft and
the housing. The journal motion sucks the lubricating fluid between the moving parts
creating a constant wedge.

This, however, means that during start-stop as well as at low loads and speeds, the wedge
formation may not be good enough to prevent wear. Only at designed speeds will the
system work exactly as needed.
Magnetic Bearings

Magnetic bearings use the concept of magnetic levitation to hold the shaft mid-air. As
there is no physical contact, magnetic bearings are zero-wear bearings. There is also
no limitation on the maximum amount of relative speed it can handle.

Magnetic bearings can also accommodate some irregularities in shaft design as the shaft’s
position is automatically adjusted based on its centre of mass. Thus, it may be offset to one
side but will still function just as satisfactorily.

They are broadly classified into two types: Active and passive magnetic bearings.

Active Magnetic Bearings

Active magnetic bearings use electromagnets around the shaft to maintain its position. If a
change in position is picked up by sensors, the system adjusts the amount of current being
fed to the system and returns the rotor to its original position.

Passive Magnetic Bearing

Passive magnetic bearings use permanent magnets to maintain a magnetic field around the
shaft. This means there is no power input needed. The system is, however, difficult to
design due to limitations as this technology is still in its early stages.
In many cases, the two types of magnetic bearings may be used in tandem where the
permanent magnets handle the static loading while the electromagnets are used to maintain
the position to a high degree of accuracy.

[Link]
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