Compliant Journal Bearings for Planetary Gearbox Load Distribution

The bearing geometry is modified by introducing undercuts at the extremities, creating non-uniform local properties. The undercut regions have reduced material thickness compared to the mid-section, which redistributes the load more evenly along the bearing length and prevents concentration at the ends, thereby maintaining lubrication film stability while allowing increased bearing length for higher power density

The bearing cross-sectional geometry parameter is changed by introducing undercuts, transforming the uniform cylindrical shape into a non-uniform profile. This parameter change modifies the stress distribution along the bearing, reducing peak stresses at the extremities and preventing lubrication film failure while enabling longer bearing lengths for improved power to weight ratio

The bearing is designed with localized geometric variations (undercuts) at the extremities, creating regions with different structural properties. This local modification redistributes the torque-induced load more uniformly along the bearing length, preventing the load concentration that would otherwise cause bearing distress while maintaining the increased length needed for higher torque capacity

The undercut geometry acts as a pre-designed stress-relief feature that cushions against the concentration of loads at the bearing extremities. By incorporating these geometric features in advance, the bearing is prepared to handle high torque loads without experiencing distress from load concentration at the ends