Babbitt is the material most frequently used as the pad surface material for hydrodynamic bearings operating at usual operating conditions. It shows many advantages important for safe bearing operation, as for example: low friction coefficient, corrosion resistance, fair mechanical properties and outstanding conformability. On the other hand, it is not free from disadvantages, such as limited fatigue strength or limited resistance to high temperatures. It has become clearly visible that, especially in case of severe operating conditions, bearings with polymer based coatings (based mainly on PTFE or PEEK) showed better performance. Both types of lining (polymer and babbitt) differ significantly comparing their material properties, which has also an influence on bearing behaviour. The results of experimental tests carried out on an eight-pad thrust bearing with babbitt and PEEK surface materials are presented. Tests were completed with the use of the unique test rig possessed by Gdansk University of Technology which allowed to carry out tests of bearings under typical operating conditions for many bearing applications. During the tests, pad and collar temperatures, bearing friction torque and pad tilt were recorded. Comparison of the results highlighted differences in the behaviour of the bearings with the same dimensions and different pad surface materials.
Authors
Additional information
- Category
- Aktywność konferencyjna
- Type
- publikacja w wydawnictwie zbiorowym recenzowanym (także w materiałach konferencyjnych)
- Language
- angielski
- Publication year
- 2015
