THD Analysis of Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings—Comparison Between Theory and Experiments

Abstract

The objective of the present research is to verify a THD model of hydrodynamic thrust bearings. The developed model of a pivoted pad bearing, which can tilt both radially and circumferentially, allows for three-dimensional temperature distribution in the oil film and in the pad, as well as two-dimensional temperature variation in the runner. Viscosity and density are treated as functions of both temperature and pressure. Experiments have been performed on a test rig, containing two identical equalizing pivoted pad thrust bearings. Power loss, runner temperature, and pressure profiles as a function of load and rotational speed are compared for both theoretical and experimental investigations. Fairly good agreement has been found when the oil inlet temperature and heat transfer coefficients have been estimated in order to get the same runner temperature in both theory and experiment. [S0742-4787(00)00802-X]