Design of Efficient Turbulent Thrust Bearings III. Self-Pressurized Design

Abstract

Turbulence makes high speed conventionally designed bearings operate with higher power loss, higher temperature rise, and lower oil flow than would be predicted from conventional laminar analysis. The objective of this paper is to present a new concept for increasing the load/power efficiency of large thrust bearings by a hybrid design employing hydrostatic load support combined with hydrodynamic pads. Self-pressurization using a shaft-center feed to radial ducts in the runner provides reliability fully equal to conventional bearing-fed designs.