Design and Performance of Silicon Carbide Product Lubricated Bearings

Abstract

Operational experience of using radial and thrust bearings with both stationary and rotating surfaces made of solid tubes of reaction bonded silicon carbide are discussed. Particular attention is given to the bearing behaviour at high fluid pressure which prevents cavitational fluid film rupture. Several cases of bearing instability at such conditions are described, and comparison with the theoretical stability criteria derived from the short bearing fluid film equations with inertia effects at the laminar flow is made. Segmented bearings suitable for application in a cavitation free environment are described.