Compliant foil fluid film radial bearing

Abstract

A multi-segment radial bearing including a bushing with an interior bore having a plurality of anti-rotation retainers which are equally spaced and extend the axial length of the interior bore. The generally T-shaped retainers divide the interior bore of the bushing into a like plurality of lobes, with each lobe having a compliant foil and a foil underspring disposed between adjacent generally T-shaped retainers.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates to the general field of compliant foil fluid film bearings and more particularly to an improved multi segment compliant foil fluid film radial bearing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Compliant foil fluid film radial bearings are currently being utilized in a variety of high speed rotor applications. These bearings are generally comprised of a bushing, a rotating element such as a rotor or shaft adapted to rotate within the bushing, non-rotating compliant fluid foil members mounted within the bushing and enclosing the rotating element, and non-rotating compliant spring foil members mounted within the bushing underneath the non-rotating compliant fluid foil members. The space between the rotating element and the bushing is filled with fluid (usually air) which envelops the foils. Conventionally, the compliant fluid foil elements are divided into a plurality of individual compliant foils to form a plurality of wedge shaped channels which con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a special bearing that has multiple parts. It includes a bushing, a shaft or rotor, and several layers of flexible foils and springs. The bushing has special retainers that keep it from spinning. These retainers are evenly spaced and run the length of the bushing. They create separate sections where the foils and springs are placed. This design helps to make the bearing work better and last longer."

Problems solved by technology

This results in increases in fluid pressure, especially near the trailing end of the wedge channels.

Flexing and sliding of the foils causes coulomb damping of any axial or overturning motion of the rotating element of the bearing.

This physical contact results in bearing wear.

These preload forces and the high lift-off / touchdown speeds result in significant bearing wear each time the rotor is started or stopped.

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