An Improved Analysis of a Rectangular Swing Pad Thrust Bearing

Abstract

In swing pad bearing, the pad is supported by curved layers of alternate laminates of elastomer and metal. The hydrodynamic wedge is formed by the swing of the pad about the center of curvature of the laminate as a result of fluid friction force. This paper extends the previous analysis (Dawson, (1)) by including the stiffnesses of the laminates under the pad in the equilibrium analysis of the pad and metal shims. The deformation of the curved elastomer layers is assumed to consist of compression, bending and shearing of the curved layer. The latter two contribute to the swing of pad surface. Each of the deformation mode has been formulated and the deflections have been calculated in the form of Fourier series. An example is given using water as lubricant. Presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio May 9–12, 1988