Analysis and Performance of the Gas-Lubricated Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing

The inherent self aligning capability and superior resistance to thermal distortion, of the gas-lubricated tilting-pad thrust bearing, can often offset load capacity limitations and make it an attractive compromise for many applications. A numerical treatment for analyzing the tilting-pad thrust bearing is presented along with extensive performance information for a particular pad geometry. An optimum hydrodynamic crown profile and related dimensions are determined. A design procedure and sample problem are also presented.