This paper describes the bearings of a homopolar generator which has been built to store 560 × 106 J and capable of discharge at currents up to 1.6 × 106 A. The contra-rotating steel rotors are in a magnetic field which produces a tilting torque of 3 × 109 lb in/rad of tilt, and they must run in either direction at any speed up to 900 rev/min. Conventional bearings and bearing clearances could not be used to restrain the tilt, so annular thrust bearings 92 in in diameter were designed to run on the flat faces of the 139-in diameter rotor discs. Each bearing is supplied with 1500 ft3/min of air at 96 lb/in2. The rotors are centred by hydrostatic bearings lubricated with oil.
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References
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HibbardL. U. ‘The Canberra homopolar generator’, Atomic Energy in Australia19625 (No. 3, July), 2.
2.
InallE. K. ‘Modifications to the Canberra homopolar generator’, ibid.19658 (No. 2, April), 2; or reprint in Electr. Engr 1965 42 (No. 12, Dec), 17.
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GrossW. A.Gas film lubrication1962 (John Wiley, New York).
