An experimental investigation of a gas lubricated stepped sector thrust bearing at high bearing numbers.

摘要

The existing analytical solutions for gas lubricated steppedsector thrust bearings are reviewed. An experiment performed at highbearing numbers (123 to 165) using air at atmospheric pressure isdescribed. Results are presented of tests conducted using a bearingoptimized by the methods of Ausman and Wildmann for high speed operation,Most of the design optimizations are confirmed for high bearing numbers;the exception is load carrying capacity. The load capacity curve obtainedtakes the same form as that predicted by theory but is lower forany given bearing number by a constant percentage. This points to aneed for re-evaluation of determination of load carrying capacity.