Influence of tilt on the performance of circular thrust pad bearing of various recess shapes

Abstract

Thrust bearings are an essential component of our heavy rotating machinery equipment. The performance of these machinery is greatly affected by the performance of thrusts bearing. Tilt in these bearing is inevitable due to structural thermal and manufacturing errors. The geometric shape of recess can be made in different ways. The present study aims to analyze the influence of the tilt angle and various recess shapes on the static and dynamic performance characteristics of the hydrostatic thrust pad bearing system compensated with capillary restrictor. Finite element method is used to solve governing Reynolds equation. Five different types of recess geometries of equal pocket to bearing area ratio have been used to model hydrostatic thrust pad. The numerically simulated results indicate that the tilt angle significantly affects the dynamic and static characteristic parameters. The tilt significantly reduces the value of pocket pressure and load carrying capacity.