An Approximate Analytical Solution for Self-Acting Gas Lubrication of Stepped Sector Thrust Bearings

Abstract

Certain approximations are made which permit linearization of the pressure (Reynold's) equation for compressible lubrication as well as separation of variables. A series solution to the resulting approximate equation is then developed to obtain estimates of the pressure and load for self-acting stepped sector thrust bearings. Numerical solutions are presented showing the optimum number of sectors, the optimum step location, and the optimum depth of the step to achieve maximum load carrying capacity. A design chart permits rapid estimation of the load-deflection characteristics for optimized stepped sector thrust bearings covering a wide range of nominal operating conditions.