Performance of externally pressurized conical thrust bearing under laminar and turbulent flow conditions

Abstract

In the present theoretical investigation, the effect of turbulent lubrication, represented by Reynolds stresses, on the performance of externally pressurized circular and conical thrust bearings is studied. A recent algebraic Reynolds stress model is employed. The governing equations are solved iteratively using the finite difference method. Both the inertia forces and thermal effects are neglected in the present analysis. The effects of recess radius ratio, film thickness ratio and Poiseuille and Couette Reynolds numbers on the performance characteristics of the circular and conical bearings are studied. The bearings' performances under laminar flow condition are also presented and compared with the turbulent condition. The present study reveals that the circular bearing has slightly higher dimensionless pressure, load and torque than the conical bearing. Further, the turbulent flow solution gives higher dimensionless pressure, load and torque than the laminar flow solution. Finally, increasing the film thickness ratio or the recess radius ratio has the effect of decreasing both the dimensionless load and torque.