Dynamic Model and Parameter Identification of Magnetic Liquid-Double-Suspension Elastic-Supported Thrust Bearing

In terms of the heavy load and low viscosity operation conditions of the marine rim-driven thruster (RDT), a novel Magnetic Liquid-double-suspension Elastic-supported Thrust Bearing (MLETB) is designed. The MLETB combines the structural features of the Rubber-supported Water-lubricated Thrust Bearing (RWTB) and Permanent Magnet Bearing (PMB). To investigate the axial stiffness and damping of the bearing, the dynamic model of MLETB incorporating a multi-layer structure is developed. Simulation indicates that the dynamic performance of the MLETB is close to that of the RWTB, but the load capacity of the MLETB is better. Besides, the load is not the most important factor to affect the dynamic performance. The parameter identification method is proposed to analyze the experiment results based on the water-lubricated bearing test rig, which show that the MLETB has a dilemma between the load capacity and dynamic performance that its stiffness and damping will be seriously affected by the specific rubber structure.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel Magnetic Liquid-double-suspension Elastic-supported Thrust Bearing (MLETB) is designed for the heavy load and low viscosity operation conditions of the marine rim-driven thruster (RDT). The MLETB combines the structural features of the Rubber-supported Water-lubricated Thrust Bearing (RWTB) and Permanent Magnet Bearing (PMB). The experimental results show that the MLETB has better load capacity and dynamic performance, but its stiffness and damping are seriously affected by the specific rubber structure.