Performance of Vertical Water Wheel Thrust Bearings During the Starting Period

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Abstract The modern thrust bearing which has made the huge vertical hydroelectric unit possible is primarily recognized as an application of the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication. At normal speeds the bearing surfaces are separated by a film of oil so that wear is effectively eliminated. During the starting period, however, there is metal-to-metal contact under high thrust loads. The performance of the bearing is then extremely complex, being dependent on adequate surfaces and lubricants. The advent of methods of measuring the roughness of machined parts has facilitated the development of better bearing surfaces while many tests, both in the laboratory and in the field, have contributed to a better knowledge of the required surface finish, oil properties, and starting temperatures.