An Experimental Approach to Investigate the Thrust Bearing Failure during Engine Durability Evaluation in Natural Aspirated Engine

This paper analyses the causes of thrust bearing failure during engine durability evaluations in naturally aspirated engine. The primary objective is to provide an experimental methodology for engineers and researchers investigating such failures. By employing Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), the study identifies potential sources of failure and recommends measures to minimize or eliminate them. The research focuses on a case study involving the observation of thrust bearing chip-off after engine durability test. Root cause analysis was conducted using vibration, rotational fluctuation, and dynamic crank axial measurements. Time domain data analysis was performed to establish the failure mechanism, and the impact of the testing setup was discussed based on this mechanism. Additionally, the study considers the effect of subsystems, such as the engine dynamometer, transmission, and propeller shaft, on thrust bearing failure. The findings from this study aim to enhance the understanding of thrust bearing failure mechanisms and provide practical insights for improving the design and testing of engine components and its subsystems to prevent similar failures in future engine durability evaluations. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research directions to further mitigate the risk of thrust bearing failure.