Thrust load compensating system for a compliant foil hydrodynamic fluid film thrust bearing

摘要

A thrust load compensating system for a compliant foil hydrodynamic fluid film thrust bearing is disclosed. The system includes an end cap over the free end of a rotary machine shaft, a compliant foil hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing located at the free end of the shaft, and a source of air whose pressure varies with the square of turbomachine speed. The compliant foil hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing located at the free end of the shaft serves as a non-contacting rotary shaft seal and, together with the end cap and free end of the shaft forms a thrust piston chamber. The thrust load compensating system of the present invention can be utilized in high speed rotary machines that have a compressor wheel and a turbine wheel that generate large axial aerodynamic forces that increase with speed.