Numerical Study of the Sensitivity of Tilting Pad Journal Bearing Performance Characteristics to Manufacturing Tolerances: Steady-State Analysis

Abstract

The bearing selection for rotating machinery is based on predictions obtained for nominal dimensions. Very often the experienced performance is different than that expected. In this paper the authors theoretically analyze the possible effects of deviations from the nominal parameters of tilting-pad journal bearings on their operating characteristics.

Using an example of five-pad tilting-pad journal bearings, the effects of realistic variations of pad and bearing clearances, pivot angular position, and pad angular extent have been evaluated theoretically for bearings with different diameters and L/D ratios. The characteristics analyzed in this study include operating temperatures, friction loss, minimum film thickness, and pressure.

KEY WORDS:

• Tilting-Pad Bearing
• Thermohydrodynamic Regime
• Manufacturing Tolerances
• Bearing Clearance
• Geometrical Preload

Acknowledgments

Presented at the STLE Annual Meeting in Calgary, Canada, May 7-11, 2006

Final manuscript approved April 17, 2007

Review led by Gita Talmage