Comparison of Models for the Steady-State Analysis of Tilting-Pad Thrust Bearings

Niels Heinrichson, Ilmar Santos

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    Prediction of the minimum oil film thickness and the maximum temperature on the surface of the bearing pad is crucial in the design and dimensioning of bearings. Friction loss, oil bath temperature and pad deflection are other parameters of interest. Depending on the desired information a numerical model requires different levels of detail. The two dimensional Reynolds equation for pressure in the oil film can be solved isothermally or considering viscosity variations in two or three dimensions, requiring solution of the equations for thermal equilibrium in oil and pad. Knowing the temperature distribution the deflection of the pad due to pressure and thermal bending can be calculated using a flat plate approximation. At the five free sides of the pad heat transfer can be modelled. The temperature distribution at the inlet to the pad can be calculated through equilibrium of thermal energy for the groove between pads and the oil bath temperature from energy equilibrium for the entire bearing. The main theoretical contribution of this paper is the elaboration and comparison of 7 different mathematical models of increasing complexity. The results are compared to experimental data for steady-state operation of a 228 mm outer diameter bearing. It is found that for the given bearing a two dimensional model is sufficient to estimate the minimum oil film thickness and the maximum temperature on the pad surface. Three dimensional modelling does not improve the quality of the results.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 18th International Congress of Mechanical Engineering (Cobem 2006), Ouro Preto, Brazil, 6-11 November
    Publication date2005
    Pages1-8
    Publication statusPublished - 2005
    Event18th International Congress of Mechanical Engineering (Cobem 2006) - Ouro Preto, Brazil
    Duration: 6 Nov 200511 Nov 2005
    Conference number: 18

    Conference

    Conference18th International Congress of Mechanical Engineering (Cobem 2006)
    Number18
    Country/TerritoryBrazil
    CityOuro Preto
    Period06/11/200511/11/2005

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