Transient thermal effects in a pivoted pad thrust bearing

摘要

This paper reports results of the experimental investigation of the performance characteristics of a pivoted pad thrust bearing during the transient thermal period following a sudden change in operating conditions. Two identical “catalogue" thrust bearings with outer diameter 228,6 mm and 60% offset are installed in a specially developed experimental test facility, which permits direct on-line measurement of bearing friction torque. The effects of sudden variations in rotational speed, load and oil supply flow rate on the bearing friction torque, collar and shaft temperatures and pressure profile are presented and analysed. A sharp change in friction torque follows a step change in operating conditions. The torque afterwards has a tendency to change gradually due to viscosity change. The total transient period is quite long (15-20 minutes) and depends on the parameter changed. Collar temperatures vary in the radial direction. The greatest difference in the rate of change of collar temperatures occurs after a drop in oil supply flow rate.