A Computer Based Approach for the Design of the Orifice- Compensated with Feeding Pocket Annular Hydrostatic Thrust Bearings

The orifice-compensated with feeding pocket annular hydrostatic (OCFPAH) thrust bearing is a unique type of gas bearing with many distinguishing characteristics. It is finding many applications in ultra high-speed rotors. A computer code was written to overcome the difficulties involved in the design of such a bearing. Initially, the design charts were converted into the alternative equations using a curve-fitting technique. The program, which is based on these equations, was designed so that mechanical and physical properties of the lubricant and the main dimensions of the bearing can be entered in a userfriendly manner. Many runs of the code have been carried out successfully. The code has proven to be fast, compatible with CAD and CAD/CAM packages as well as the ability of linking it with data banks and the Internet.