Investigation on the Dynamic Pressure Effect of Clearance Oil Film at a Stepped Hydrostatic Thrust Bearing Working in Heavy Loading Duty

The dynamic pressure effect of the clearance oil film of stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing is studied by taking the double rectangular cavity oil cushion as an example. According to the hydrodynamics theory, the dynamic pressure of lubricating oil film in different clearance height regions is theoretically deduced and calculated. The dynamic pressure effect of the clearance oil film in the stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing is studied through the combination of theoretical calculation, simulation, and experimental verification. It is found that the experimental value of the dynamic pressure is between the theoretical value and the simulated value, which is basically not affected by the load. In the speed range of 0 r/min-200 r/min, compared with the viscosity of lubricating oil, the speed is the main factor affecting the dynamic pressure of the oil film of the stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing. The dynamic pressure value of the clearance oil film increases in a stepped fashion along the radial direction of the double rectangular cavity oil cushion. The dynamic pressure value has an obvious upward trend at the junction of the circumferential right oil cavity and the sealing edge and then decreases to 0 after reaching the peak value.