Tribological Testing of Catcher Bearing Materials of the Gas Turbine Modular Helium Reactor (GT-MHR) Turbomachine

摘要

The Gas Turbine Modular Helium Reactor (GT-MHR) implements a direct gas-turbine cycle with the efficiency of ～48%. The turbomachine (TM) is based on a vertical single-shaft design with high and low pressure compressors, turbine and generator. The Electromagnetic Bearings (EMB) are selected as rotor support.The catcher bearings (CB) provide an auxiliary support for the TM rotor in case the EMB fails, or EMB load-bearing capacity is exceeded.An additional function of the CB is to provide supplemental support of TM rotor during transients when the loading capacity of EMB is exceeded.This paper describes the purpose and designs of the catcher bearings and results of material testing for CB friction couple materials.