Spiral groove bearing

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Spiral groove bearings (also known as Rifle bearings) are self-acting (journal and thrust), or hydrodynamic bearings used to reduce friction and wear without the use of pressurized lubricants. They have this ability due to special patterns of grooves. Spiral groove bearings are self-acting because their own rotation builds up the pressure needed to separate the bearing surfaces. For this reason, they are also contactless bearings.