FLEXIBLE STEPPED THRUST BEARINGS

A means is suggested by which a stepped thrust bearing can be adapted so that it operates at or near its optimum operating condition over a wide range of applied load. It is shown theoretically that when the outlet step is mounted on an elastic foundation of the correct stiffness, the changes in step height with load enable the bearing to operate with a greater outlet film thickness at high loads or with less friction and a smaller oil temperature rise at lower loads, than can be obtained with the conventional bearing. Several practical arrangements for the construction of these bearings are suggested. Contrary to the commonly held view that stepped and fixed inclination tapered bearings are intrinsically unstable when operating at high values of the film thickness ratio, it is shown that they perform in a stable manner under these conditions. The basis for the design of another type of flexible stepped bearing is suggested in which the step height varies with the sliding speed and lubricant viscosity as well as the applied load, so that the bearing operates with the maximum possible outlet film thickness at higher temperatures than normal or at slow speeds.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Research Council of Canada

  National Aeronautical Establishment
  Ottawa, ONo K1A OR6,   Canada 
• Authors:
  • Dayson, C
• Publication Date: 1972-4

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bearing capacity; Bearings; Lubrication; Thrust bearings
• Old TRIS Terms: Bearing loads; Bearing lubrication
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00053709
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Research Council of Canada
• Report/Paper Numbers: MP-58
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 7 1974 12:00AM