Static Characteristics of a Micro Bidirectional Rotating Thrust Bearing with Novel Herringbone Grooves

Bidirectional rotating thrust bearings are critical components for the development of bidirectional equipment. This paper presents the design and numerical study of an oil-lubricated bidirectional rotating thrust bearing with novel herringbone grooves, which consists of three groups of spiral grooves. The lubrication mechanism of the novel herringbone grooves is revealed. The static characteristics of the thrust bearing are numerically investigated by solving the Reynolds equation applying the finite element method. The influences of the radial width, depth, angle, circumferential width ratio, and number of the groove on the bearing performance are analyzed. The results show that there exists an optimal combination of groove radial widths that ensures equal load capacities in both rotation directions while achieving their maximum values. Furthermore, optimal values for the depth, angle, circumferential width ratio, number of the grooves can also enhance the bearing’s load capacity, maximum film pressure, and energy efficiency. Additionally, it is found that groove radial width has the most significant influence on the bearing performance difference under different rotation directions, followed by the effects from the angle, number, circumferential width ratio, and depth of the groove. The conclusions obtained can provide a valuable reference for the research and application of bidirectional thrust bearings.