Thermoelastohydrodynamic Analysis of Fixed Geometry Thrust Bearings Including Runner Deformation

A thermoelastohydrodynamic theory for the analysis of sector thrust bearings is presented. The analysis includes the generalized Reynolds equation and a fully elliptic three-dimensional energy equation in the film. In addition, full three-dimensional heat transfer is allowed in the pad while axisymmetric conduction is allowed in the runner. Three-dimensional elastic deformation due to mechanical and thermal loading is allowed in the pad while axisymmetric mechanical elasticity is allowed in the runner. The performance of a parallel tapered-land thrust bearing including runner deformation effects is analyzed as a function of different models. It is seen that mechanical deformation of the pad affects the operating characteristics only slightly while thermal deformation of the pad can cause large increases in operating temperature. The runner deformation effects can include a reduction of the maximum film temperature at slight deformation or a large increase in film temperature at the inner radius of the pad at larger deformations.