Comparison of quasi-three-dimensional and full three-dimensional formulations of thrust bearing operation

Abstract

The results of calculating the characteristics of a thrust bearing with fixed pads of a centrifugal or screw compressor, determined on the basis of a numerical implementation of a periodic thermoelastohydrodynamic mathematical model in quasi-three-dimensional and full three-dimensional formulations, are compared. In the first case, the energy equation is solved on the middle radius of the bearing, and the result of the calculation is extended to the entire fluid flow of the lubricant film and boundary layer (Sm2Px2T program). In the second case, the full three-dimensional equation of the energy of the lubricant film and boundary layer, the thrust collar and the pad is solved, taking into account the heat exchange between the working areas of the bearing and with the environment (Sm2Px3Txτ program). Appropriate conclusions are made.