Simulation of the conditions for the flow of fresh lubricant in the inter-pad groove of a fluid film thrust bearing
https://doi.org/10.26907/2541-7746.2026.1.137-151
Abstract
This article describes different modeling options for mixing the hot lubricant of the upstream pad of a fluid film bearing and the fresh lubricant of the oil-feeding inter-pad groove. The outcomes of the mixing process affect the lubricant temperature distribution near the leading edge of the next pad located downstream. Ultimately, this distribution determines the thermal state of the lubricant film, the output characteristics, and the power losses of the bearing. The fixed pad thrust bearing of a centrifugal or screw compressor was investigated. The mixing simulation was reduced to different boundary conditions for the truncated Navier–Stokes equation of motion, which are also part of the general periodic thermoelastohydrodynamic (PTEHD) mathematical model of bearing operation. The results of the numerical calculations of the thrust bearing characteristics under different flow boundary conditions were compared with those obtained using other programs. For these purposes, the numerically implemented Sm2px3Txt calculation program was employed. Based on the results, conclusions were drawn about the need for a sufficient flow of the fresh lubricant in the oil supply groove to compensate for lateral leaks of the pad and when the thrust bearing operation mode becomes more complicated, for example, if the gap decreases, the rotational speed increases, or the thrust collar moves.
Keywords
fluid film thrust bearing,
fixed pad,
inter-pad groove,
equation of motion,
boundary condition,
flow of fresh lubricant
Supporting agencies: This study was supported by a grant from the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises, provided as part of the program “Student Startup” of the federal project “Platform for University Technological Entrepreneurship” (startup project no. 101130).
About the Authors
N. V. Sokolov
Kazan National Research Technological University;
AO NIIturbokompressor named after V.B. Shnepp (HMS Group)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nikolay V. Sokolov, Cand. Sci. (Engineering), Associate Professor, Department of Low Temperature and Compressor Equipment and Technology, Institute of Mechanical Engineering for Chemical and Petrochemical Industry;
Chief Specialist
Kazan
P. E. Fedotov
Kazan Federal University;
OOO AST Volga Region
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Pavel E. Fedotov, Senior Lecturer, Department of Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence, Institute of Computational Mathematics and Information Technologies;
Engineer
Kazan
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Review
For citations:
Sokolov N.V., Fedotov P.E. Simulation of the conditions for the flow of fresh lubricant in the inter-pad groove of a fluid film thrust bearing. Uchenye Zapiski Kazanskogo Universiteta. Seriya Fiziko-Matematicheskie Nauki. 2026;168(1):137-151. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26907/2541-7746.2026.1.137-151
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