Tilting pad bearings are a type of hydrodynamic bearing designed to support rotating shafts in machinery, offering high stability and low friction, especially in demanding applications like turbines and compressors. They consist of multiple bearing pads that can tilt individually, adjusting to changes in load and speed, which helps create a lubricating oil film and minimizes wear.
Hydrodynamic Lubrication:
As the shaft rotates, the tilting pads create a wedge-shaped film of lubricant (oil) between the pad and the shaft, separating them and reducing friction.
Self-Adjusting:
The tilting action allows the pads to adapt to changes in load and speed, ensuring optimal lubrication and stability.
Stability:
This self-adjusting mechanism provides better stability compared to fixed-geometry bearings, especially under varying operating conditions.