ADVANTAGES OF TILTING PAD BEARINGS OVER PLAIN BEARINGS.

When a plain bearing is fitted in a journal or in a transmission shaft, as it rotates, carry oil to its underside and develop a film of pressure. This pressure increases with the speed of rotation. This oil separate shaft and bearing, so preventing metal to metal contact. Here one thing is considerable that only one third (1/3) of the bearing area is effective. The remaining two third (2/3) area does not carry load.

 

If we replace the ineffective side portions of the journal by pads which capable to carrying load will increase its capacity. Tilting pads based on those developed by Michell for thrust blocks. Each pad tilts as oil is delivered to it, so that a wedge of oil is formed.

This three pressure wedges give a larger total support area than a plain bearing. The tilts of the pads automatically adjust to suit load, speed and oil viscosity. The oil wedges separate the shaft and bearing.