Influence of dimple geometry and micro-roughness orientation on performance of textured hybrid thrust pad bearing

The present study deals with numerical simulation of textured hybrid thrust pad bearing. Influence of providing micro-dimples of different cross-sectional shapes on the bearing surface has been theoretically investigated on the performance of thrust pad bearing. Reynolds equation has been solved using mass-conserving algorithm based on Jakobsson-Floberg-Olsson cavitation boundary conditions. A parametric study is carried out to optimize dimple shapes from the viewpoint of load carrying capacity of bearings. The textured bearing surface is noticed to be beneficial in reducing the frictional power losses. Providing half-section dimples (second half in the direction of runner rotation) towards the leading edge of thrust pad, enhance the load carrying capacity and fluid film stiffness coefficient of bearings. Micro-roughness in a textured surface having transverse orientation is seen to improve the dynamic characteristics of hybrid thrust pad bearings.