PIVOTED, SEGMENTAL, THRUST BEARING PROVIDING SIMULATED OFFSET SUPPORT OF CENTRALLY SUPPORTED BEARING SEGMENTS

摘要

In a hydrodynamic pivoted segmental thrust bearing, a centrally supported, pivoted bearing segment including at least one elongated lubricating fluid collection groove disposed in the bearing surface of the segment adjacent and parallel to at least one of the radial edges thereof, and at least one fluid outlet aperture disposed through the segment opening at one end into the groove and at the other end into the thrust bearing well of the bearing. The collection groove drains fluid from the bearing surface into the bearing well, and interrupts the formation of the bearing surface lubricating fluid film, thereby reducing the effective bearing surface on one side of the segment. A simulated offset support of centrally supported segments is thus achieved.