Definition
Tilting-pad journal bearings (TPJBs) are self-acting bearings and belong to the fluid-film bearing family. They are used to radially support, locate, and guide rotors in rotation. As opposed to fixed-geometry fluid-film bearings, TPJBs are composed of multiple independent pads (typically four or five) that are free to oscillate about a pivot. The angular oscillation of each pad is dictated by the rotor’s speed and radial load. This auto-adjustment of the pads leads to an optimal oil wedge at each loaded pad. These bearings are inherently stable and are heavily used in high-speed applications, in particular power generation rotating machinery such as steam, gas, and water turbines and generators. However, TPJBs are complex and expensive to fabricate and require careful design procedures.
Scientific Fundamentals
High-speed rotating machinery require...
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Dmochowski, W.M., Dadouche, A., Fillon, M., DeCamillo, S.M. (2013). Hydrodynamic Tilting-Pad Journal Bearings. In: Wang, Q.J., Chung, YW. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tribology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-92897-5_46
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