Thermo-aerodynamic analysis of herringbone groove air foil thrust bearing

This article presents a three-dimensional(3D)thermoaerodynamic(TAD) model for Herringbone grooved air foil thrust bearings (HG-AFTBs). The analysis is performed by solving the non-isothermal Reynolds equation and the 3D energy equation with temperature-dependent viscosity and density. The temperature distribution is evaluated using the 3D energy equation with boundary conditions at the top foil. The distribution of the temperature of HG-AFTBs is compared with that of non-groove AFTBs. The influence of various geometrical parameters on the temperature field distribution is discussed and compared between HG-AFTBs and AFTBs. The Reynolds equation evaluates the pressure developed in the lubricating gap by inserting the average temperature value. The findings indicate that viscous dissipation causes the highest temperatures near the outer edges of the top foil and at the circumferential outlet due to elevated shear stress. Compared to non-grooved AFTBs, HG-AFTBs exhibit lower peak temperatures, as the grooves facilitate improved lubricant flow. The influence of wedge height is also explored, showing that larger wedge factors promote backflow at the bearing entrance, reducing inlet temperature. Additionally, higher rotational speeds significantly increase the gas film temperature due to viscous heating. Overall, the model demonstrates that while heat dissipation strongly affects temperature rise, herringbone grooves effectively suppress excessive heating and enhance load-carrying capacity. These outcomes provide practical guidance for designing thermally efficient AFTBs.