摘要 |
<p>A fluid dampened support for a bearing such as a tilt pad bearing or a rolling element (13) bearing such as a ball bearing, needle bearing, roller bearing and the like. The fluid dampened support (20) includes a network of closely spaced beams (24, 26, 28), which act as structural springs which support the outer race of the roller bearing for movement in any direction. The spring rate or constant of these structural springs can be caused to change after a selected amount of deflection. The amount of deflection needed to cause the change in spring rate can be adjusted to suit the particular application. A liquid is provided in the spaces between the beams (24, 26, 28) to dampen movement of the pads. The damping rate can be made to change with movement of the pads (32).</p> |