Novel thrust bearings, with spiral-groove, flexible membranes mounted on resilient supports, were designed and their performance convincingly demonstrated. Advantages of surface compliance were thus combined with the superior load-capacity of the spiral-groove geometry. Loads of 127–150N (29–33 lb) were comfortably supported on an area 42 cm2 (6.5 in.2), at speeds 43,000–45,000 rpm and mean clearances 15–20 μm (600–800 μin.), by these self-acting and air-lubricated bearings. Support-worthiness was proved under exacting conditions, when tested in conjunction with foil journal-bearings and a 19N (4.3 lb)-rotor, excited in a pitching mode by a total unbalance of 43 μm.N (6100 μin.oz).
An asymmetric rotor (19N; 4.3 lb), supported radially and axially by compliant bearings (foil bearings), is subjected to severe excitation by rotating unbalance (43 μm.N; 6100 μin.oz) in the “pitching” mode, at speeds to 50,000 rpm. The resilient, air-lubricated bearings provide very effective damping, so that regions of resonance and instability can be traversed with impunity, with amplitudes and limit-trajectories remaining within acceptable bounds. A novel journal bearing is introduced, in which a resilient support is furnished by the outer turn of the coiled foil-element, initially bent to form an open polygon. The experimental apparatus and procedure are described, and the response of the rotor and flexible support system are copiously documented by oscilloscope records of motion.
Welcome incorporation of this mark of honor in the program of this Conference, at the same time giving a special tribute to that great shipbuilding and seafaring nation to which the name of our all-time scientific predecessor William Froude is forever associated. To the delegates of this and the other countries and, last but not least, to those of the great nation over the ocean that co-sponsors this Conference and that have made my and Mrs. Troost s previous nine years an unforgettable experience, goes the warmest welcome of the Dutch people, its Royal Navy, its shipping and shipbuilding community, and its T.N.O. Organization. In joining this welcome with cordial personal greetings to the many old friends and colleagues here present, I wish you all the happiest of times in our country, and a most interesting, stimulating and successful conference on the Scheveningen beach! This dream I am sure we share with all who have joined together this pleasant morning in Scheveningen.
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