Abstract

Background: In this study, an energy conserved wedge-platform thrust slider bearing is introduced. The realization of this bearing depends on the occurrence of the boundary slippage on the stationary surface in the bearing inlet zone.

Objective: The aim was to show the improvement of the performance of the wedge-platform thrust slider bearing by applying the boundary slippage technology.

Methods: The modified Reynolds equation incorporating the corresponding boundary slippage was used for analyzing the performance of the mentioned bearing. The coupled Reynolds equations in the bearing inlet and outlet zones were solved for finding the pressure distribution in the bearing.

Results: It is shown that the load-carrying capacity of the present bearing can be increased by 90% compared to the conventional type of the bearing in the same operating condition. While the friction coefficient of the present bearing can be reduced by 60% compared to the conventional type of the bearing for the same case.

Conclusion: The overall performance of a wedge-platform thrust slider bearing can be significantly improved by applying the boundary slippage technology.

Keywords: Bearing, boundary slippage, energy conservation, friction coefficient, interfacial shear strength, load.