On the thermal lubrication theory of tilting-pad bearings inclusive of pad bending, side leakage and inlet pressure build-up

Numerical solutions are obtained for the thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication of tilting-pad bearings based on the 3-dimensional flow of lubricant. For pressure distribution, a fast Newton-Raphson approach is used in solving the generalized Reynolds equation along with the film thickness and the inlet pressure build-up equations. For temperature distribution, the finite difference method is carried out with the help of a sweeping scheme. The effects of side-leakage are investigated by changing the film geometry parameters. Significant influence is found of the pad's supporting configuration on the modified load carrying capacity and frictional coefficient.