A Three-Dimensional Thermohydrodynamic Analysis of Sector Thrust Bearings

Equations governing the steady-state thermohydrodynamic behavior of sector-shaped thrust bearings are solved numerically for an incompressible laminar flow of a Newtonian lubricant. The lubricant viscosity is taken as a function of the three-dimensional temperature distribution in the fluid film. Also, a general film thickness profile is allowed. Three dimensional heat transfer between the lubricant and both the moving and stationary solids is included in the analysis. The full thermohydrodynamic solutions are compared with other simpler solutions. It is shown that a type of adiabatic solution allowing for temperature gradients across the film can be used in most cases to predict accurately bearing load, friction, and lubricant flow. The results, expressed in nondimensional terms, can be applied to a wide range of operating conditions.