Abstract
Many years ago the very unsatisfactory bulky and expensive multi-collar thrust-bearing was replaced by the very compact Michell tilting-pad thrust-bearing, which has given very satisfactory service. Of recent years interest has been focused on simpler types of non-tilting thrust-bearings such as parallel-surface bearings and bearings with a machined taper. There is a general desire for a satisfactory cheap, simple, thrust-bearing.
An investigation into stepped thrust-bearings has been carried out with an electrolytic tank, and results indicate that the load capacity is greater than for the tilting-pad bearing. The friction is increased but not in the same proportion as the load capacity.
By a suitable choice of the operating conditions it is possible to design a stepped-pad thrust-bearing which operates over a wide range of loads with a greater film thickness and a lower coefficient of friction than a tilting-pad thrust-bearing.
Owing to the decrease in friction and the simple and cheap construction, there appears no out-standing reason why this new bearing should not supersede the conventional tilting-pad thrust-bearing.
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