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A High-Speed Fuel Lubricated Hybrid Thrust Bearing for Limited-Life Turbine Engines
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English
Abstract
The feasibility of operating a mainshaft thrust bearing at high speeds with jet fuel mist as the coolant and lubricant has been demonstrated in both rig and engine testing. A split-inner ring hybrid thrust bearing ( silicon nitride balls ) was successfully operated to 1.67 x 106 DN at maximum Hertzian contact stresses up to 322,000 psi. The bearing configuration also included BG-42 inner and outer rings and a Dupont polyimide Vespel separator. The incorporation of a fuel lubrication system for limited-life turbine engines has many advantages, including;
- Lower cost ( elimination of oil system related hardware ).
- Enhanced long-term storage reliability
- Increased cold start reliability.
The bearing has been subjected to a variety of hostile tests, including;
- Snap accelerations from -65 deg F cold soak
- Extended operation at similar thrust and radial loadings
- Operators at high thrust levels thrust levels
This paper describes the development history, including rig and engine testing, as well as the analytical challenges overcome in designing the hybrid configuration.
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Authors
Citation
Gilbert, R., "A High-Speed Fuel Lubricated Hybrid Thrust Bearing for Limited-Life Turbine Engines," SAE Technical Paper 902023, 1990, https://doi.org/10.4271/902023.Also In
References
- Sibley, Lewis B. Bhushan, Bharat “Silicon Nitride Rolling Bearings for Extreme Operating Conditions” ASLE conference New Orleans, La. October 5 7 1981
- “Advanced-Dynamics of Rolling Elements” Springer-Verlag-New York Gupta Pradeep K. 1984
- Mandle, Richard J. “Twenty Year Evolution of the WR2/WR24 Series Small Turbojet Engines” SAE Aerospace meeting Los Angeles, Ca. November 14-17 1977
- “Very High Speed Marginally Lubricated Ball Thrust Bearing” Patent # 4,799,810 Jan 24 1989 Gilbert Robert B. Allied Signal Inc.
- “Method of Making and Operating a Very High Speed Marginally Lubricated Ball Thrust Bearing” Patent # 4,729,154 Mar 8 1988 Gilbert Robert B. The Garrett Corporation