THE EFFECT OF LUBRICANT SUPPLY TEMPERATURE ON THRUST BEARING PERFORMANCE

This paper compares and analyzes the influence of lubricant supply temperature on the performance of a tilting-pad, equalizing, thrust bearing. The paper presents experimental data for a 267-mm (10 one-half -in OD) bearing, operating at shaft speeds up to 13,000 rpm with loads ranging up to 3. 45 MPa (500 psi). The data presented demonstrate the relative effect that changes in lubricant supply temperature have on bearing power loss and babbitt temperature. Some conclusions are drawn based upon the trend in relative performance for each lubricant supply temperature tested.