No abstract

The paper presents experimental and theoretical data on the axisymmetric hydrostatic thrust bearing with one bonded compliant surface. The theoretical results are exact and are based on linear elasticity theory. The effects of compliance on the behavior of the thrust bearing are discussed and illustrated.

The characteristic performance of the swing-pad bearing is evaluated in a parative study with the tilting-pad bearing. Frictional data are presented, together with representative pressure and film thickness distributions under both rigid elastomer shoes.

One of the most important and sensitive parameters defining the characteristic behavior of compliant-surface, fluid-film bearings has been found to be the value of Poisson’s ratio of the elastomer material—a 1 percent variation in ν in the range of common values produces about a 25 percent change in load carrying capacity. Since values of Poisson’s ratio for the common elastomers are unknown with any degree of accuracy, an experimental method has been devised to measure Poisson’s ratio for typical cases to better than four significant figures. This paper describes the method together with an error analysis and typical data from elastomeric samples.

Results are provided for an investigation of a compliant-surface, tilting-shoe bearing, when operating in oil. Two values of elastomer durometer were used on shoes as well as seven different pivot locations. The investigation included measurements of lubricant film pressure fields and film-thickness profiles under the shoes during operation. Friction and overall stiffness were also recorded for a typical range of speeds, loads, and pivot positions.