Thrust Load Measurement on Aero-Engine Bearing

Abstract

Aero-engine bearings operate in an extraordinarily high speed range (high DN number) and severe conditions. It is especially necessary to measure and adjust the bearing thrust load in the engine development phase, but it is very difficult to measure the thrust load accurately, because bearings and bearing housings are subjected to elevated temperature and oil environment. Open space permitted for installation of thrust measurement transducers is small and limited around the bearing housing. We tried to measure the thrust load by applying “Unit Cells,” which are installed between bearing and bearing housing. “Unit Cells” which have been specially designed to measure the bearing thrust load are very small and temperature-compensated load cells. We have been successful in measuring the actual thrust load using the above “Unit Cells,” both in the steady-state and transient condition. Repeatability and hysteresis of the data have been satisfactory. We have established the effect of seal clearance on the thrust load by the measurement. We also have obtained the dynamic characteristics of the thrust load versus rotor speed in low bypass fan engines. Procedure and obtained data are presented in detail.