Performance comparison between textured, pocket, and tapered-land sector-pad thrust bearings using computational fluid dynamics thermohydrodynamic analysis

Abstract

Different geometry patterns of the surface of thrust bearings have been proven very beneficial in terms of bearing loadcarrying capacity and friction coefficient. In this study, four different types of sector-pad thrust bearings have been crossevaluated for operation under realistic operating conditions: (a) an open pocket bearing, (b) a closed pocket bearing, (c) a tapered-land bearing, and (d) a bearing partially textured with rectangular dimples. Bearing performance has been computed by means of computational fluid dynamics simulations based on the numerical solution of the NavierStokes and energy equations for incompressible flow. Conjugate heat transfer at the bearing pad and rotor has been taken into account. Initially, for a reference design of each bearing, the effects of varying rotational speed and minimum film thickness have been investigated. Further, characterization of each bearing for a constant level of thrust load has been performed. Finally, the effects of varying the depth of each geometry pattern have been studied. The present results illustrate a superior performance of the open pocket bearing in comparison to the other bearing types.

Comparison of Perturbed Reynolds Equation and CFD Models for the Prediction of Dynamic Coefficients of Sliding Bearings

“…Fouflias et al [11] applied the commerical CFD code ANSYS CFX in the analysis of thrust bearing designs with both pockets and suface texturing (dimples). The authors compared steady-loads predicted by CFD for different thrust bearing designs.…”

Computational evaluation of dynamic coefficients of thrust bearings; effect of artificial texturing on thermohydrodynamic performance

“…The steady-state THD model has been based on that developed by Charitopoulos et al in [12][13] and solves the Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the Energy equation to account for thermal effects by simulating a conjugate heat transfer problem between lubricant, pad and rotor. Cavitation, viscous dissipation and the temperature dependency of the lubricant's viscosity have also been considered.…”

Elastohydrodynamic lubrication characteristics of surface-textured slipper bearing in an axial piston pump

“…Marian et al [9] concluded that the parallel thrust pad bearing showed highest the load-carrying capacity when the texturing densities were set to 50% and 90%, respectively, in circumferential and radial direction. Fouflias et al [10] investigated the load-carrying capacity and friction coefficient of four types of sector pad thrust bearing. The experimental results indicated that the textured bearing exhibited good friction characteristics under high rotational speed.…”