Parameter Effects on Dynamic Characteristics Analysis of Multi-Layer Foil Thrust Bearing

The paper studies the dynamic characteristics of a multi-layer foil thrust bearing (MLFTB). A modified efficient dynamic characteristic model is established, and the revised Reynolds equation coupled with the thick plate element and the boundary slip model is adopted. During the solving process, the small perturbation method is implemented. The elasto-hydrodynamic effect under geometric and operational parameters is investigated. It reflects that the dynamic characteristics can be visibly influenced by the slip effect when under tiny clearance with low bearing speed, and ought to be considered. Specifically, the maximum deviation of the axial and direct-rotational stiffness coefficients could be up to −4.93% and −5.02%, respectively. The direct-rotational stiffness is increased with the perturbation frequency; however, a turning point may exist in the cross-rotational stiffness. Additionally, both the rotational stiffness and rotational damping can be expanded at a smaller original clearance. It aims to provide prediction methods with high effectiveness and efficiency, and enrich theoretical guidance for the important MLFTB.