Performance analysis of thrust pad bearing using micro-rectangular pocket and bionic texture

This paper presents the performance behaviors of a hydrodynamic thrust bearing incorporating new pad surface designs involving microrectangular pocket and Labeo rohita fish scale texture. The bearing performance parameters have been numerically explored and analyzed using three different pad surface designs. The effects of texture parameters such as pocket/texture depth, extend of pocket, and fish texture spread in the circumferential and radial directions, the number of scale texture waves in circumferential and radial directions, have been investigated for improving the performance of the bearing. It has been found that the pad surface having microrectangular pocket and fish scale texture together yields substantial increase in minimum film thickness and reduction in friction coefficient as compared to the other pad designs.