Simulation and Experimental Study of the Effect of Thrust Bearing with Worn Pads on Lubrication Performance

A tilting pad thrust bearing wear model based on computational fluid dynamics has been developed, and the wear model was verified and investigated experimentally based on a self-designed test rig. The results show that the presence of scratches results in an increase in oil film pressure, an elevation of the pad center temperature, and a decrease in the minimum oil film thickness. The number of scratches has a more pronounced effect on the lubrication performance of the pad. The test found that the presence of scratches can contain the abrasive chips, which has some positive significance. During the starting process, the pressure center of each ring gradually shifts towards the center of the pad, demonstrating a radial stretching phenomenon. With a further increase in speed, the overall oil film pressure decreases from the center to the periphery, and the influence of scratches on the oil film pressure distribution gradually decreases.