Numerical simulation of gap flow of sector recess multi-pad hydrostatic thrust bearing

This paper describes a numerical study concerning the gap flow performance of multi-pad hydrostatic thrust bearing having sector recesses in the upright numerically controlled lathe. The Finite Volume Method has been used to compute fluid three-dimensional velocity field and pressure field of gap flow between the revolution working table and bearing pad. This study theoretically analyzes the influence of recess area on the bearing performance according to computational fluid dynamics and lubricating theory. It has revealed its flow distribution law. The computed results show that to get an improved characteristic from a sector recess multi-pad hydrostatic thrust bearing, oil recess pressure increases by gradually with recess area enhancing, pressure reaches extremely large value in some location, decreases gradually by degrees, the effect of recess area on the velocity is very small..