Optimum Design of Small Size Fluid Film Thrust Bearing Considering the Productivity

Abstract

In the manufacturing process of small size fluid film bearings, the machining errors of groove affect the bearing characteristics. This paper describes the optimum design of small size fluid film thrust bearings to reduce the characteristics variability caused by some productivity. Firstly, from the original result of the modified spiral bearing obtained by the geometrical optimization, critical bearing parameters related to sensitivity of dynamic stiffness was investigated. From the sensitivity analysis, it was clarified that the parameters of groove depth and groove ratio have high sensitivity towards bearing stiffness. In the optimum design with consideration of productivity, errors for groove depth and groove ratio were given using probability theory with restriction towards the dynamic stiffness variability. From the results, the reduction of dynamic stiffness variability was accomplished. Furthermore, even if the manufacturing errors exist, the optimized bearing is operated safely without contact because it is able to stay in the range of the allowable film thickness.