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The lubrication of parallel surface thrust bearings

University of British Columbia

The parallel surface thrust bearing has been studied both theoretically and experimentally. The general equations governing the laminar flow of a Newtonian fluid are presented and suitably reduced to describe the flow of lubricant through a plain collar bearing. A computer solution of the resulting equations has been obtained in which the variations, of density and viscosity with temperature are accommodated and the circumferential leakage of oil from the bearing is recognised. The resulting performance curves indicate that useful load carrying capacities, produced by a 'thermal wedge' effect, are possible with parallel surface thrust bearings. A series of tests was carried out on a three inch diameter bearing operating at speeds ranging from 15,000 to 19,000 r.p.m. The results confirm that hydrodynamic lubrication may be achieved with a parallel surface thrust bearing. The experimental values obtained for the load carrying capacity and the coefficient of friction were both less than the theoretical predictions. The discrepancies appear to be caused, for the most part, by an increase in the oil temperature resulting from entrainment of the lubricant in the bearing.

Text

2011-12-09

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/39618

Mechanical Engineering

University of British Columbia

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