ABSTRACT
Hydrodynamic thrust bearings hold the axial position of rotating sha§s, transmitting the axial force to the stationary casing by means of a thin Ÿlm of ¨uid (Figure 45.1). ˜e bearings are used in a wide variety of rotating machinery including turbines, compressors, pumps, motors, generators, gear boxes, and many custom applications. Bearing sizes range from 5.2 m in diameter, which can carry loads on the order of 50 million newtons, down to 50 mm and smaller diameter bearings that support rotors spinning tens of thousands of revolutions per minute.
