Off-Set and Symmetrically Supported Pads in a Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing – Performance Differences

<ns3:p>To ensure proper operation, the tilting pads of hydrodynamic thrust bearings must be supported in a way that allows the inclination of their sliding surface to be adjusted to the operating conditions, i.e., load and speed. The support position has a significant impact on operating parameters, as it influences the shape of the lubrication gap and, consequently, the operating parameters of the entire bearing. This paper presents the results of research on the influence of the support position of the tilting pads on the hydrodynamic operating parameters of a thrust bearing. Two cases of support location, most commonly met in practical applications, were analyzed: symmetrical support (used in bidirectional bearings) and off-set support (single-direction bearings). The paper presents theoretical analyses using advanced computational techniques. Analysis of the obtained results indicates different bearing operating parameters related to the shape of the lubrication gap and the associated temperature and pressure distributions in the bearing. The bearings also exhibited different friction losses depending on the position of the self-aligning support.</ns3:p>