The fluid-thermal-structural interaction analysis of a new multifoil aerodynamic thrust bearings

In the present study, a multiphysics simulation model was established to evaluate the effects of the fluid-thermal-structural interaction on the performance of multifoil gas lubrication thrust bearing. The thermal and elastic deformation mechanisms of multifoil bearings were studied in detail, and the effects of the preload ratio and foil structural parameters on the bearing performance were analyzed. The results show that the preload ratio determines the performance of the multifoil thrust bearing. A small preload helps the bearing maintain a low lift-off speed, whereas a large preload is helpful in improving the bearing load capacity. The thickness of the foil has a significant effect on the gas film pressure distribution and the down foil thickness plays a leading role in the load capacity.