Performance of Thrust Bearings at High Operating Speeds

As part of a continuing research program, a standard 10 1/2 in. dia thrust bearing, of the tilting-pad, self-equalizing type, was tested at shaft speeds up to 11,000 rpm and bearing loads ranging up to 400 psi. The bearing and lube oil system were instrumented to measure bearing performance under laminar and turbulent operating conditions. The effects of varying the oil feed rate on bearing temperature and power loss are discussed in this paper. Some observations on the laminar to turbulent transition region are included.