FOIL TYPE BEARINGS FOR THE CHRYSLER AUTOMOTIVE GAS TURBINE ENGINE PROGRAM - DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCES.

The developmental and operational experience with a foil air bearing in the 58,500 rpm gas generator of the Chrysler upgraded automotive gas turbine is presented. Simulator work encompassed mating the 500 F air foil with oil-lubricated foil bearings, which then evolved into the final air bearing - rigid oil bearing engine system. Over two years of testing in engines and cars has shown the foil air bearing to have the performance requirements. Work on foil material and coating life problems is discussed. The potential of the bearing to meet the 1200 F and low power loss needs of future engines and current technology support work is presented.