Abstract
Unsteady characteristics in cases of elastic deformation of disk-type hydrostatic thrust bearings based on stepwise change in the loads for a constant supply pressure are discussed experimentally and theoretically. The bearing/seal parts examined in this study are made up by combining stainless steel with stainless steel and stainless steel with plastics. The main results are as follows :
1) In the case of slow stepwise change in the loads, the effects of step-load heights and disk materials on the response of fluid films and pocket pressure are negligible.
2) For elastic materials, a stable fluid film shape is obtained more easily but the response is slower than that of rigid materials, The delay in pocket pressure change becomes more obvious with increased stepwise change in the loads. This phenomenon is much more pronounced for elastic materials.
3) The leakage flow losses become very small by using small nozzle, even at larger step-load heights.
