Design and Performance of Compliant Thrust Bearings With Spiral-Groove Membranes on Resilient Supports

Abstract

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).

Performance potential of gas foil thrust bearings enhanced with spiral grooves

“…Despite the progress accomplished, the two technologies remain isolated one from another. An early attempt to combine the SGTB with a compliant structure was realized by Licht in 1981 [13]…”

Rotor-Bearing Dynamics Technology Design Guide. Part VI. Status of Gas Bearing Technology Applicable to Aero Propulsion Machinery

“…It is also baing considered for various gas-turbine type applications Operating characteristics of these novel bearings were previously released in a contract report [107]. Two companion papers [108,109] will present this information to the public in the forthcoming ASME-ASLE Joint…”