Study on the morphology of friction failure oil film of heavy-duty hydrostatic thrust bearing

Purpose Heavy-duty hydrostatic thrust bearings are prone to oil film instability and deterioration of lubrication performance under heavy loads and high speeds, which seriously affects equipment and accuracy and causes friction failure. This study aims to investigate the evolution of bearing lubrication characteristics and oil film morphology before and after friction failure. Design/methodology/approach Taking the Q1-224 hydrostatic thrust bearing as the object, using the bidirectional fluid-solid coupling method and combined with experimental verification, the simulation results before and after bearing friction failure under different loads (16t-32t) and speeds (40-140r/min) are analysed. Findings The results show that, affected by uneven thermal deformation and oil shear effects, the oil film has an open shape that is thicker on the outside and thinner on the inside, with the thinnest part mostly located on the inner edge of the inner oil sealing edge. An increase in bearing speed exacerbates temperature rise, reduces oil viscosity, exacerbates solid domain deformation and accelerates oil film failure. By monitoring the thinnest film thickness, the critical work conditions for bearing friction failure were predicted. Originality/value The study reveals the coupling mechanism between oil film dynamic changes and friction failure under extreme work conditions, providing a theoretical basis for bearing optimisation design and safe operation. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-06-2025-0256