THERMOHYDRODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF FLUID FILM BEARINGS FOR CRYOGENIC APPLICATIONS

A thermohydrodynamic analysis and computer program for prediction of the static and dynamic force response of hydrostatic journal bearings, annular seals, or damping bearings, and fixed are-pad bearings are presented. The study includes the most important dow characteristics found in cryogenic fluid firm bearings such as flow turbulence, fluid inertia, liquid compressibility, and thermal effects. Numerical results detail a comparison of the static performance and dynamic force coefficients for a six-recess hydrostatic bearing and a damping bearing-seal for the Space Shuttle Main Engine high-pressure oxidizer turbopump. The calculations indicate that turbulent-flow, externally pressurized bearings support the expected loads with moderate journal center eccentricities and with force coefficients of relevant magnitude for this critical application.