This paper proposes a mathematical model of the laminar flow of a truly viscous lubricant in the clearance of a radial plain bearing with a nonstandard support profile. The influence of a fluoroplastic-containing polymer coating and a groove on the shaft surface is considered, taking into account nonlinear effects, which improves the accuracy of the description of hydrodynamic processes. Thin-film approximations and continuity equations are used to determine the hydrodynamic pressure, load capacity, and friction coefficient. A comparison with existing calculation models demonstrated improved performance prediction. The results demonstrate the feasibility of ensuring stable shaft floatation, confirming the applicability of the developed model for engineering calculations of bearings with a polymer coating and a groove.

Keywords: radial plain bearing, mathematical modeling, true viscous lubricant, polymer composite coating, hydrodynamic regime, tribotechnical characteristics