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Sommerfeld Number - alternative using angular velocity

Description

In the design of fluid bearings, the Sommerfeld number (S), or bearing characteristic number, is a dimensionless quantity used extensively in hydrodynamic lubrication analysis. The Sommerfeld number is very important in lubrication analysis because it contains all the variables normally specified by the designer.

The Sommerfeld number is named after Arnold Sommerfeld (1868–1951).

An alternative definition is shown here, based on angular velocity.

It is therefore necessary to check which definition is being used when referring to design data or textbooks, since the value of S will differ by a factor of 2π.

Related formulas

Variables

SSommerfeld number (dimensionless)
rshaft radius (m)
cradial clearance (m)
μabsolute viscosity of the lubricant (pascal*s)
ωangular velocity of the shaft (rad/s)
Lbearing length (m)
Dbearing diameter (m)
Wapplied load (N)