What is the function of a thrust bearing?
1 Answers
Thrust bearings are used to withstand the axial thrust of the rotor during operation, determining and maintaining the axial relative position between the turbine rotor and the cylinder. Thrust bearings can be designed as standalone units or integrated with support bearings, known as combined-type bearings. Structurally, they are categorized into multi-jaw type and sector tile type, with the sector tile type being the most commonly used today. The main components of a thrust bearing include working tiles, non-working tiles, adjusting shims, and mounting rings. On both sides of the thrust collar, ten to twelve working tiles and non-working tiles are installed, each mounted on the mounting ring. The working tiles bear the forward axial thrust of the rotor, while the non-working tiles bear the reverse axial thrust of the rotor.