Uni-Directional Thrust Bearing Design for a Load of 500kN

ENG1063 Engineering Mathematics 1

Task

Bearing design

a. A uni-directional thrust bearing is required to support a load of 500 kN. The start-up load is zero. The shaft diameter is 500 mm and the inside diameter of the pads is 10% greater than this. The bearing will operate at a speed of 3000 rpm. The lubricant available is a mineral oil ISO grade 46 with a viscosity index of 95. A directed lubricant supply will be used with a bearing inlet temperature of 60 deg C. The R_avalue of the runner is 0.5µm. Without exceeding an actual mean pressure of 2.5 MPa, design a bearing for these conditions. Fill the table below with your design. All answers to 3 significant figures only. 16 marks

Actual mean pressure (MPa)

Pad inside dia. (mm)

Pad outer dia. (mm)

No of pads

Min. film thickness (µm)

Min film thickness allowed

(µm)

Maximum allowable roughness (µm)

Max. pad temp (C)

Total power loss (kW)

b. Indicate below why this design is acceptable. 4 marks .

c. As a bearing-design specialist, you have been approached by the user of this bearing. She has asked you to investigate if the power loss of the bearing can be reduced. She indicates that the dimensions and operating conditions of the bearing cannot be changed, but other parameters are open for discussion. Prepare a well-written, technical report indicating your recommendations and the reasons for them, along with the results of any calculations you have made (1000 words max. + relevant diagrams, charts etc). Marks will be awarded for technical accuracy, clarity of recommendations, quality of your explanations, commercial feasibility and professionalism of the report. 40 marks

Total for Section B: 60 marks

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