Analysis of Dynamic Pressure Gas Thrust Bearing Characteristics with Wedge-shaped Spiral Grooves Based on Fluid-Structure-Thermal Coupling.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Analysis of Dynamic Pressure Gas Thrust Bearing Characteristics with Wedge-shaped Spiral Grooves Based on Fluid-Structure-Thermal Coupling.
Authors:	Dong, Zhiqiang¹ dongzhiqiang@tyust.edu.cn, Dong, Yifei² 1424237680@qq.com
Source:	Engineering Letters. Feb2026, Vol. 34 Issue 2, p538-553. 16p.
Subjects:	Thrust bearings, Dynamic pressure, Fluid-structure interaction, Engineering simulations, Thermal properties, Dynamic loads, Fluid dynamics
Abstract:	To address the reduced load capacity of conventional spiral-groove thrust bearings caused by insufficient high-pressure gas buildup at the groove tops, this study introduces a wedge-shaped spiral groove design featuring a composite top structure. A converging wedge is incorporated at the groove top to enhance gas compression by gradually narrowing the flow cross-section, thereby increasing pressure generation. Using ANSYS-based fluid-structure-thermal coupled simulations, we analyzed and compared the flow and thermal characteristics of traditional and wedge-shaped spiral groove bearings. The results indicate that the wedge design increases load capacity by 2% to 4% under identical operating conditions. For both bearing types and the thrust plate, maximum stress, deformation, and temperature rise with increasing rotational speed and inlet pressure. Thrust bearings consistently experience higher stress and deformation than the thrust plate, with the wedge-shaped grooves exhibiting greater stress and deformation compared to traditional grooves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Engineering Source

Description
Abstract:	To address the reduced load capacity of conventional spiral-groove thrust bearings caused by insufficient high-pressure gas buildup at the groove tops, this study introduces a wedge-shaped spiral groove design featuring a composite top structure. A converging wedge is incorporated at the groove top to enhance gas compression by gradually narrowing the flow cross-section, thereby increasing pressure generation. Using ANSYS-based fluid-structure-thermal coupled simulations, we analyzed and compared the flow and thermal characteristics of traditional and wedge-shaped spiral groove bearings. The results indicate that the wedge design increases load capacity by 2% to 4% under identical operating conditions. For both bearing types and the thrust plate, maximum stress, deformation, and temperature rise with increasing rotational speed and inlet pressure. Thrust bearings consistently experience higher stress and deformation than the thrust plate, with the wedge-shaped grooves exhibiting greater stress and deformation compared to traditional grooves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	1816093X