Tilting-Pad Bearings—The Contact Flexibility of the Pivot

The modeling of tilting-pad journal and thrust bearings presents a level complexity beyond that with fixed-arc geometry, particularly regard to their dynamic influences. With bearings, the theory surrounding fluid film must be complemented representative pad dynamics. What has been recognized in recent decades is significance support, particular flexibility pivot region pad. typical model for including stiffness based on Hertzian contact theory. Some researchers have noted does not permit sufficient region. It suggested mechanics at would better represented as pairing rough surfaces. used here statistical asperity micro-contact surface line extended include stiffness. This applied determination effective properties bearings. results show can low one third determined by A comparison published experimental confirms modeling, contacts associated rocker-back tilting pads.