Evaluation of Operational Characteristics in a Large Thrust Bearing

Abstract

In this paper the non dimensional load parameter, volumetric flow rate, energy flux, oil film temperature and power loss of a large thrust pad bearing are formulated. The objective of the paper is to determine the novel non dimensional thermal, volumetric and power loss parameters in addition to the known load and energy flux parameters of the bearing. The computation is done by formulating and numerically solving the oil film thickness, two dimensional Reynolds', Vogel-Cameron and energy equations at the different nodes of the pad oil film using a finite difference procedure. The lower the degree of the objective shape polynomial more is the accuracy of the slider bearing shape and pressure distribution. The developed derives the value of 'a' for which the load is maximum. The variation of the dominant bearing centre of pressure with respect to the corresponding values of 'a' is studied. From the equation of fluid film temperature the minimum rise in bearing temperature corresponding to the values of 'a' are determined. The oil film temperature distribution results are found satisfactory in terms of computer time and convergence criteria. The accuracy of the results is thoroughly validated by the variation of the load and thermal contours. This data and analysis serves as an input for rotor dynamic studies and includes the scope to develop safe operation of the bearing at high speeds in vertical hydro-electric rotors.