The Swing-Pad Bearing - A New Concept in Sliding-Surface Bearings.
Abstract
This report introduces a new bearing concept, the swing-pad bearing. The concept is a sliding-surface lubricated bearing in which the stationary bearing surface is segmented into pads that can displace through a motion resembling a swing to form a wedge-shape converging in the direction of motion with the rotating member. Viscous friction force moments are in the direction to form the converging wedge-shape; fluid pressure force moments oppose wedge formation. The pad bearing surface stabilizes at a position where these moments are in balance. Exploratory experimental investigations conducted on model elastomer surface swing-pad bearings indicate exceptional performance characteristics. These characteristics are: (1) low coefficients of friction representative of fluid lubrication under load/speed/fluid viscosity combinations that would produce boundary lubrication in conventional bearings; (2) operation at rotational start-up and at extremely low speeds with applied loads that would cause stick-slip motion and squeal in conventional bearings. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA034891
Entities
People
- Jenny E. Greene