Influence of recess shape on comprehensive lubrication performance of high speed and heavy load hydrostatic thrust bearing

Purpose This paper aims to describe a theoretical and experimental research concerning influence of recess shape on comprehensive lubrication performance of high speed and heavy load hydrostatic thrust bearing with a constant flow. Design/methodology/approach The lubrication performance of a hydrostatic thrust bearing with different recess shape under the working conditions of high speed and heavy load has been simulated by using computational fluid dynamics and finite volume method. Findings It is found that the comprehensive lubrication performance of a hydrostatic thrust bearing with circular recess is optimal. The results demonstrate that recess shape has a great influence on the lubrication performance of the hydrostatic thrust bearing. Originality/value The simulation results indicate that to get an improved performance from a hydrostatic thrust bearing with constant flow, a proper selection of the recess shape is essential.