HYDRODYNAMIC THRUST-BEARINGS - THEORY AND EXPERIMENT

In this paper results from experimental studies and computer simulation of hydrodynamic tilting thrust bearings are presented. The bearing performance in terms of outlet film thickness, friction coefficient, and bearing temperature was measured in a high speed thrust bearing test rig. The numerical simulation involves the solution of the generalized Reynolds equation and the energy equation, which considers thermal effects on the oil viscosity and the squeezing of the oil film.