The synergistic influence of texture and slip formations in hydrodynamic thrust bearings on tribological characteristics

Abstract

The hydrodynamic thrust bearing is a bearing type that operates on the principle of hydrodynamic lubrication, and it finds extensive application in the power generation sector. The implementation of surface texture engineering techniques on bearing stators has been found to enhance the overall performance of the bearings. Conversely, the adverse impact of roughness creates reduced pressure, hence resulting in cavitation, necessitating its avoidance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the load carrying capacity of two distinct types of textured bearings, taking into account the existence of slip creation at specific areas. The aforementioned locations consist of the pre-pocket, the pocket, and the composite location encompassing both the pre-pocket and the pocket. Furthermore, the simulation includes pockets that maintain a consistent depth, with many adjustments in the minimum film thickness. The result shows the combined slip placement formation has the potential to augment the load carrying capacity. The closed pocket configuration exhibits a maximum increase of 120.3 %, however the circumferential pocket configuration demonstrates a significantly higher enhancement of 178.1 % compared to the no slip condition. The slip effect has the capability to relocate the pressure concentration from the center to the periphery of the pocket when the film thickness is small. The novel design of a closed pocket bearings with a specific slip formation eliminate cavitation, resulting in enhanced bearing performance.

Keywords

• Hydrodynamic thrust bearing
• Slip
• Hydrophobic surface
• Cavitation
• Pocket textured surface