Material Considerations for High Temperature Tilting Pad Gas Bearings

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the sliding contact problems encountered in tilting pad gas bearings operating at temperatures up to 1400 deg F. Both the pivots and the bearing surfaces are considered. Short time experimental evaluations of pivot damage are summarized. The results of start-stop and high-speed rub tests on a single tilting pad hydrodynamic bearing are also described. Based on the results obtained to date, damage-resistant coatings are available for use on the bearing surfaces at high temperature. There are also suitable pivot materials, but the pivot must be properly designed to minimize slip in the contact area.