A STUDY ON PERFORMANCE BEHAVIOUR OF SPHERICAL HYDROSTATIC/HYBRID THRUST BEARINGS

Abstract

In modern industries, the smooth and efficient operation of rotating equipment such as turbines, pumps, generators, and electric motors is critical. Bearings are integral components of such machinery, providing an interface that enables desired relative motion, restrains unwanted motion between contacting surfaces, and supports externally applied loads. Proper functioning of bearings is essential for accurate and smooth operation of the machines. Various types of bearings, including ball, roller, thrust, and sleeve bearings, are available, and selecting the appropriate type depends on factors such as load requirements, speed of rotation, and operating conditions. Regular maintenance, lubrication, installation, alignment, and balancing are crucial to ensure the proper functioning of bearings and optimal efficiency of the machinery. Over the past few decades, advancements in technology have significantly increased the demand for machine elements that are precise, accurate, perform better, and last longer. This has led numerous researchers globally to focus on improving bearing performance. Fluid film bearing technology, in particular, has made substantial progress, resulting in new bearing configurations that offer enhanced performance. One notable configuration is the spherical hybrid thrust bearing. This bearing features a spherical tribo-contact that generates less noise and vibration and has a longer lifespan. The hybrid spherical thrust bearing configuration supports rotating tribo-pairs through fluid film pressure created by the pumping of lubricating fluid in the clearance space between geometrically conforming spherical surfaces. Compared to conventional circular thrust bearings, spherical hybrid thrust bearings have specific advantages, such as self-aligning properties that tolerate shaft misalignment and the ability to support both radial and axial loads. These bearings are now widely used in various applications, including machine tools, high-precision measuring instruments, space stations, and hydraulic piston pumps. Additionally, spherical bearings are crucial in biomedical applications, such as artificial shoulder, knee, and hip joints. Their widespread acceptance is due to their excellent performance.