A proposed experimental setup for study and demonstration of the pressure distribution and load capacity of hydrodynamic bearings was developed. Various conceptual designs for producing thin full film lubrication conditions and enabling gap geometry control and pressure and force measurements were produced and assessed. Relative motion for the interacting bearing surfaces was found promising to be achieved by a smooth rotating belt. A simple height control arrangement for the stationary surface is also found to be facilitating the gap control between the two surfaces. Alternative direct and indirect techniques for measuring pressure and force were pointed out. Topology and dimensions of the proposed design were suggested as a basis for a physical setup realization.

A great deal of research work is being carried out on hydrdynamic bearings to improve their frictional eficeincy. All the research work that has been carried out is on the hydrodynamic bearings, which is prone to various nolinearities. The thesis is a venture to genrate a simple experimental setup that may help to conduct the experimentation in simple and precise manner.