Effect of manufacturing errors of the pad sliding surface on the performance of the hydrodynamic thrust bearing

In the present study, investigation of the effect of manufacturing errors on the performance of large tilting pad thrust bearings has been performed, following a CFD-based Thermohydrodynamic analysis of a single pad. A 3D model has been generated, including the pad, the lubricant film and the corresponding part of the collar. The pad has been assumed to be deformed about the pivot point, due to thrust loading. Manufacturing errors of different type and amplitude have been superimposed. The equilibrium position of the pad has been calculated by a Newton-Raphson iterative procedure. The principal performance parameters of the bearing (minimum film thickness, friction torque, maximum pressure and temperature) have been calculated. The results demonstrate that manufacturing errors may affect substantially bearing performance, and should be taken into consideration in the design of large tilting pad thrust bearings.