Heat Transfer in PAD Thrust Bearings

Abstract

Results are presented of tests conducted on a 150 mm pad thrust bearing over the speed range 1000–4000 rev/min. Heat transfer to pads and runner is estimated from pad and runner temperatures. Pad heat transfer proved to be of minor importance. The runner is shown to approximate to an infinite heat sink. Heat transfer to the runner is dominated by the film thermal resistance and ranged from 0.1 to 0.8 of film energy dissipation. The dependence of film convective heat transport upon the film Peclet number is demonstrated and an improved method for the prediction of bearing performance is outlined.