A thermohydrodynamic approach for single-film and double-film floating disk fixed thrust bearings verified with experiment

Publication date: Available online 15 July 2019Source: Tribology InternationalAuthor(s): Saeid Dousti, Paul AllaireAbstractA comprehensive thermohydrodynamic model of single-film and double-film floating disk thrust bearings is presented. Reynolds and energy equations are solved and a modified groove mixing model is used to predict the oil leading edge temperature. A multi-step search algorithm is used to find floating disk rotational speed, and the two film thicknesses. Results are validated with experimental data. It is shown that the floating disk rotates with 30%–50% of the runner rotational speed. The turbine side in general hotter with a thinner film thickness. The main advantage of a double-film floating disk bearings is in their up to 40% lower power loss compared to a single-film. The introduced model provides a practical design tool for the fixed pad thrust bearings.
Source: Tribology International - Category: Materials Science Source Type: research