Purpose The porous bearings are commonly used in slider thrust bearings owing to their self-lubricating properties and cost effectiveness as compared to conventional hydrodynamic bearings. The purpose of this paper is to numerically investigate usefulness of porous layer in hydrostatic thrust bearing operating with magnetic fluid. The effect of magnetic field and permeability has been analysed on steady-state (film pressure, film reaction and lubricant flow rate) and rotor-dynamic (stiffness and damping) parameters of bearing. Design/methodology/approach Finite element approach is used to obtain numerical solution of flow governing equations (Magneto-hydrodynamics Reynolds equation, Darcy law and capillary equation) for computing abovementioned performance indices. Finite element method formulation converts elliptical Reynolds equation into set of algebraic equation that are solved using Gauss–Seidel method. Findings It has been reported that porosity has limited but adverse effects on performance parameters of bearing. The adverse effects of porosity can be minimized by using a circular pocket for achieving better steady-state response and an annular/elliptical pocket, for having better rotor-dynamic response. The use of magnetic fluid is found to be substantially enhancing the fluid film reaction (53%) and damping parameters (55%). Practical implications The present work recommends use of circular pocket for achieving better steady-state performance indices. However, annular and elliptical pockets should be preferred, when design criteria for the bearing are better rotor-dynamic performance. Originality/value This study deals with influence of magnetic fluid, porosity and pocket shape on rotor-dynamic performance of externally pressurized thrust bearing. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2020-0289/

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