Characteristics of a Spherical-Seat TPJB With Four Methods of Directed Lubrication—Part I: Thermal and Static Performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Coghlan ◽  
Dara W. Childs
Keyword(s):  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Thermal Characteristics ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Static Data ◽  
Axial Temperature ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Thermal Data ◽  
In Series ◽  
Static Performance ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

Static and thermal characteristics (measured and predicted) are presented for a four-pad, spherical-seat, tilting-pad journal bearing (TPJB) with 0.5 pivot offset, 0.6 L/D, 101.6 mm nominal diameter, and 0.3 preload in the load-between-pivots orientation. One bearing is tested four separate times in the following four different lubrication configurations: (1) flooded single-orifice (SO) at the bearing shell, (2) evacuated leading edge groove (LEG), (3) evacuated spray-bar blocker (SBB), and (4) evacuated spray-bar (SB). The LEG, SBB, and SB are all considered methods of “directed lubrication.” These methods rely on lubrication injected directly to the pad/rotor interface. The same set of pads is used for every test to maintain clearance and preload; each method of lubrication is added as an assembly to the bearing. Test conditions include surface speeds and unit loads up to 85 m/s and 2.9 MPa, respectively. Static data include rotor–bearing eccentricities and attitude angles. Thermal data include measured temperatures from 16 bearing thermocouples. Twelve of the bearing thermocouples are embedded in the babbitt layer of the pads, while the remaining four are oriented at the leading and trailing edge of the loaded pads exposed to the lubricant. Bearing thermocouples provide a circumferential and axial temperature gradient. The pivot stiffness (pad and pivot in series) is measured and incorporated into predictions.

Characteristics of a Spherical Seat TPJB With Four Methods of Directed Lubrication: Part 1 — Thermal and Static Performance

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Coghlan ◽  
Dara W. Childs
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Gradient ◽  
Thermal Characteristics ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Axial Temperature Gradient ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Static Data ◽  
Axial Temperature ◽  
Thermal Data ◽  
In Series ◽  
Static Performance

Static and thermal characteristics (measured and predicted) are presented for a 4-pad, spherical-seat, TPJB with 0.5 pivot offset, 0.6 L/D, 101.6 mm nominal diameter, and 0.3 preload in the load-between-pivots orientation. One bearing is tested four separate times in the following four different lubrication configurations: (1) flooded single-orifice (SO) at the bearing shell, (2) evacuated leading edge groove (LEG), (3) evacuated spray-bar blocker (SBB), and (4) evacuated spray-bar (SB). The LEG, SBB, and SB are all considered methods of “directed lubrication”. These methods rely on lubrication injected directly to the pad/rotor interface. The same set of pads is used for every test to maintain clearance and preload; each method of lubrication is added as an assembly to the bearing. Test conditions include surface speeds and unit loads up to 85 m/s and 2.9 MPa respectively. Static data includes rotor-bearing eccentricities, and attitude angles. Thermal data include measured temperatures from sixteen bearing thermocouples. Twelve of the bearing thermocouples are embedded in the babbitt layer of the pads while the remaining four are oriented at the leading and trailing edge of the loaded pads exposed to the lubricant. Bearing thermocouples provide a circumferential and axial temperature gradient. The pivot stiffness (pad and pivot in series) is measured and incorporated into predictions.

A Study of the Thermal Characteristics of the Leading Edge Groove and Conventional Tilting Pad Journal Bearings

1993 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Dmochowski ◽  
K. Brockwell ◽  
S. DeCamillo ◽  
A. Mikula
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Analysis ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Operating Temperature ◽  
Thermal Characteristics ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Journal Bearings ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearing ◽  
Leg Design ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearings

In this paper dealing with the tilting pad journal bearing, experimental results are presented which show that, at higher shaft speeds, the leading-edge-groove (LEG) design has significantly lower operating temperatures to those of the conventional design of tilting pad journal bearing. Subsequent theoretical analysis has shown that this reduction in pad operating temperature is the result of feeding cool oil directly to the leading edge of the pad. This has the effect of reducing the amount of hot oil carried over from one pad to the next.

Characteristics of a Spherical Seat TPJB With Four Methods of Directed Lubrication—Part II: Rotordynamic Performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Coghlan ◽  
Dara W. Childs
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Model ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Dynamic Data ◽  
Rotordynamic Coefficients ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Frequency Independent ◽  
In Series ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

Measured and predicted rotordynamic characteristics are presented for a four-pad, spherical-seat, tilting-pad journal bearing (TPJB) with 0.5 pivot offset, 0.6 L/D, 101.6 mm nominal diameter, and 0.3 preload in the load-between-pivots orientation. One bearing is tested four separate times in the following four different lubrication configurations: (1) flooded single-orifice (SO) at the bearing shell, (2) evacuated leading edge groove (LEG), (3) evacuated spray-bar blocker (SBB), and (4) evacuated spray-bar (SB). The same set of pads is used for every test to maintain clearance and preload; each method of lubrication is added as an assembly to the bearing. Test conditions include surface speeds and unit loads up to 85 m/s and 2.9 MPa, respectively. Dynamic data includes four sets (one set for each bearing configuration) of direct and cross-coupled rotordynamic coefficients derived from measurements and fit to a frequency-independent stiffness-damping-mass (KCM) matrix model. The pivot stiffness (pad and pivot in series) is measured and incorporated into predictions.

scholarly journals Thermal Turbulent Flow in Leading Edge Grooved and Conventional Tilting Pad Journal Bearing Segments—A Comparative Study

Lubricants ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Croné ◽  
Andreas Almqvist ◽  
Roland Larsson
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Inlet Temperature ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Sst Turbulence Model ◽  
Effective Boundary Condition ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

A comparative study between a conventional- and leading edge grooved (LEG) tilting pad journal bearing (TPJB) segment is performed. The developed model uses the Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model, coupled with the energy equation and a partial differential equation for the fluid domain mesh displacement to predict the thermal flow characteristics. Instead of using an effective boundary condition to determine the inlet temperature of the LEG pad and excluding the additional LEG portion, as is common practice, the whole geometry of the LEG is modeled. Several sizes of the LEG portion is investigated and it is shown to have quite a small influence on pressure, temperature, film thickness and turbulence intensity. Moreover, the results also show that the conventional pad gives rise to higher levels of turbulence in the mid plane compared to its LEG counterpart, while the latter has a marginally higher value of turbulence when the volume average value is computed. The maximum value of turbulence is however present in the conventional model.

Static Performance Characteristics and Rotordynamic Coefficients for a Four-Pad Ball-in-Socket Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Harris ◽  
Dara Childs
Keyword(s):  
Power Loss ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Excitation Frequency ◽  
Performance Characteristics ◽  
Rotordynamic Coefficients ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Static Performance ◽  
Stiffness And Damping ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

Static performance characteristics and rotordynamic coefficients were experimentally determined for a four-pad, spherical-seat, tilting-pad journal bearing in load-between-pad configuration. Measured static characteristics include journal static equilibrium position, estimated power loss, and trailing-edge pad temperatures. Rotordynamic coefficients were determined from curve fits of measured complex dynamic-stiffness coefficients as a functions of the excitation frequency. A frequency-independent [M]-[C]-[K] model did a good job of fitting the measurements. Test conditions included speeds from 4 to 12 krpm and unit loads from 0 to 1896 kPa (0 to 275 psi). The bearing uses cool inlet oil to decrease the pad operating temperatures and increase the bearing’s load and speed capacity. The bearing has a nominal diameter of 101.78 mm (4.0070 in). Measurements indicated significant bearing crush with a radial bearing clearance of 99.63 μm (3.92 mils) in the axis 45° counterclockwise from the loaded axis and 54.60 μm (2.15 mils) in the axis 45° clockwise from the loaded axis. The pad length is 101.60 mm (4.00 in), giving L/D = 1.00. The pad arc angle is 73°, and the pivot offset ratio is 65%. Testing was performed using a test rig described by Kaul [1], and rotordynamic coefficients were extracted using a procedure adapted from Childs and Hale [2]. A bulk-flow Navier-Stokes model was used for predictions, using adiabatic conditions for the fluid in the bearings. However, the model assumes constant nominal clearances at all pads, and an average clearance was used based on measured clearances. Measured static eccentricities and attitude angles were significantly lower than predicted. Attitude angles varied from 6° to 39° and decreased with load. Power loss was well-predicted, with a maximum value of 25 kW (34 hp). The maximum detected pad temperature was 71°C (160°C) while the temperature rise from inlet to exit was over-predicted by 8°C (14°F). Direct stiffness and damping coefficients were significantly over-predicted, but the addition of a simple pivot-stiffness in series with the measured stiffness and damping values vastly improved the agreement between theory and experiment. Direct added masses were negative to a higher degree for Myy (y load direction) at low speeds and increased with speed. With the exception of Myy at zero load, they became positive before reaching 8,000 rpm. Although significant cross-coupled stiffness terms were present, they always had the same sign, producing a whirl frequency ratio of zero and netting unconditional stability over all test conditions.

Static Performance Characteristics and Rotordynamic Coefficients for a Four-Pad Ball-in-Socket Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dara Childs ◽  
Joel Harris
Keyword(s):  
Power Loss ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Rotordynamic Coefficients ◽  
Damping Coefficients ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Frequency Independent ◽  
Static Performance ◽  
Stiffness And Damping ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

Static performance characteristics and rotordynamic coefficients were experimentally determined for a four-pad, ball-in-socket, tilting-pad journal bearing in load-between-pad configuration. Measured static characteristics include journal static equilibrium position, estimated power loss, and trailing-edge pad temperatures. Rotordynamic coefficients were determined from curve-fits of measured complex dynamic-stiffness coefficients as a function of the excitation frequency. Aside from the cross-coupled damping coefficients, a frequency-independent [M]-[C]-[K] model did a good job of fitting the measurements. The added-mass coefficient was frequently dropped, leaving only a frequency-independent stiffness and damping coefficient. Test conditions included speeds from 4000 rpm to 12,000 rpm and unit loads from 0 kPa to 1896 kPa (0–275 psi). The bearing uses cool inlet oil to decrease the pad operating temperatures and increase the bearing’s load and speed capacity. The bearing has a nominal radial clearance of 95.3 μm (3.75 mils). However, measurements indicated significant bearing crush with a radial bearing clearance of 99.6 μm (3.92 mils) in the axis 45 deg counterclockwise from the loaded axis and 54.6 μm (2.15 mils) in the axis 45 deg clockwise from the loaded axis (assuming counterclockwise rotation). The pad length is 101.60 mm (4.00 in.), giving L/D=1.00. The pad arc angle is 73 deg, and the pivot offset ratio is 65%. Testing was performed using a test rig described by Kaul (1999, “Design and Development of a Test Setup for the Experimental Determination of the Rotordynamic and Leakage Characteristics of Annular Bushing Oil Seals,” MS thesis, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX), and rotordynamic coefficients were extracted using a procedure adapted from the work of Childs and Hale (1994, “A Test Apparatus and Facility to Identify the Rotordynamic Coefficients of High-Speed Hydrostatic Bearings,” ASME J. Tribol., 116, pp. 337–344). A bulk-flow Navier–Stokes model was used for predictions, using adiabatic conditions for the fluid in the bearing. However, the model assumes constant nominal clearances at all pads, and an average clearance was used based on measured clearances. Measured static eccentricities and attitude angles were significantly higher than predicted. Attitude angles varied from 6 deg to 39 deg and decreased with load. Power loss was underpredicted at low speeds and very well predicted at high speeds, with a maximum value of 25 kW (34 hp). The maximum detected pad temperature was 71°C(160°F) while the temperature increase from inlet to maximum pad temperature location was overpredicted by 10–40%. Direct stiffness and damping coefficients were significantly overpredicted, but the addition of a stiffness-in-series correction vastly improved the agreement between theory and experiment. Direct added masses were zero or negative at low speeds and increased with speed up to a maximum of about 50 kg; they were normally greater in the x (unloaded) direction. Although significant cross-coupled stiffness terms were present, they always had the same sign, and the bearing had a whirl frequency ratio of zero netting unconditional stability over all test conditions.

scholarly journals Testing, Analysis, and CFD Modeling of a Profiled Leading Edge Groove Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen L. Edney ◽  
Gregory B. Heitland ◽  
Scan M. DeCamillo
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Cfd Modeling ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Light Load ◽  
Operating Stability ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Original Insight ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

Testing and analysis of a profiled leading edge groove tilting pad journal bearing developed for light load operation is described. This bearing was designed for a generic, small, high speed steam turbine operating at projected loads of less than 25 psi (172.4 kPa) and journal surface speeds to 400 ft/s (122 m/s). On the second turbine application, a rotor instability was experienced with the oil flowrate reduced to optimize bearing steady state performance. This instability was eliminated by machining a taper on the exit side of the feed groove on each pad. At the reduced flowrate, the profiled groove bearing greatly improved the operating characteristics of the rotor system by reducing vibration amplitudes and stabilizing operation at speed. This paper is divided into two sections. The first section compares the rotordynamics analysis with test data that shows improved unbalance response and operating stability with the profiled groove bearing. The second section provides original insight of the effect of the profiled geometry on the bearing flow field using computational fluid dynamics models.

Optimization of a 900 mm Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing in Large Steam Turbines by Advanced Modeling and Validation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ümit Mermertas ◽  
Thomas Hagemann ◽  
Clément Brichart
Keyword(s):  
Steam Turbine ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Steam Turbines ◽  
Oil Supply ◽  
Modeling Methods ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

Modernization of steam turbine components can extend the life of a power plant, decrease maintenance costs, increase service intervals and improve operational flexibility. However, this can also lead to challenging demands for existing components such as bearings, e.g., due to increased rotor weights. Therefore, a careful design and evaluation process of bearings is of major importance. This paper describes the advanced modeling methods applied for the optimization of a novel 900 mm three-pad tilting pad journal bearing followed by validation results that showed a high bearing temperature sensitivity to the fresh oil supply temperature during operation. The bearing was especially developed to cope with increased rotor weights within the framework of low pressure steam turbine modernizations at two similar 1000 MW nuclear power plants. With a static bearing load of approximately 2.7 MN at a rotor speed of 1500 rpm, it represents one of the highest loaded applications for tilting pad journal bearings in turbomachinery worldwide. After identification of the reasons for the sensitivity, advanced modeling methods were applied to optimize the bearing. For this purpose, a more comprehensive bearing model was developed taking into account the direct lubrication at the leading edge of the pads and the thermo-mechanical pad deformation. For the latter, a co-simulation between the bearing computation code and structural mechanics software was performed. The results of the entire analyses indicated modifications of bearing and pad clearance, pad pivot position, circumferential and axial pad length as well as pad thickness. Furthermore, the oil distribution into the pads was optimized by modifying the orifices within the bearing. The optimized bearing was then implemented on both units and proved its excellent operational behavior at increased fresh oil supply temperatures of up to 55°C. In addition, inspections during scheduled outages after 18 months of operation and subsequent restarts with reproducible bearing behavior confirmed the robustness of the optimized bearing. In conclusion, the application of advanced modeling methods proved to be the key success factor in the optimization of this bearing, which represents an optimal solution for large steam turbine and generator rotor train applications.

scholarly journals Improvement of Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing Operating Characteristics by Application of Eddy Grooves

Lubricants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Eckhard Schüler ◽  
Olaf Berner
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Load Capacity ◽  
Fluid Film ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Fluid Film Bearings ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Bearing Load ◽  
Bearing Loads ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearing

In high speed, high load fluid-film bearings, the laminar-turbulent flow transition can lead to a considerable reduction of the maximum bearing temperatures, due to a homogenization of the fluid-film temperature in radial direction. Since this phenomenon only occurs significantly in large bearings or at very high sliding speeds, means to achieve the effect at lower speeds have been investigated in the past. This paper shows an experimental investigation of this effect and how it can be used for smaller bearings by optimized eddy grooves, machined into the bearing surface. The investigations were carried out on a Miba journal bearing test rig with Ø120 mm shaft diameter at speeds between 50 m/s–110 m/s and at specific bearing loads up to 4.0 MPa. To investigate the potential of this technology, additional temperature probes were installed at the crucial position directly in the sliding surface of an up-to-date tilting pad journal bearing. The results show that the achieved surface temperature reduction with the optimized eddy grooves is significant and represents a considerable enhancement of bearing load capacity. This increase in performance opens new options for the design of bearings and related turbomachinery applications.

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