In this paper, a computational investigation of thermohydrodynamic performance and
mechanical deformations of a fixed-geometry thrust bearing with artificial surface
texturing is presented. A parallel eight-pad bearing is considered; the surface of each
pad is partially textured with square dimples. Here, a CFD-based thermohydrodynamic
modeling approach, recently introduced by the authors, is used to calculate the
performance of the bearing; the THD results are then used to quantify the deformations of
the bearing mechanical parts. The bearing is modelled as a sector-shaped channel,
consisting of a smooth rotating wall (thrust collar) and a partially textured stationary
wall (bearing pad). The bearing performance characteristics are computed by means of
numerical simulations, based on the numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes and energy
equations for incompressible flow, as well as on the solution of the elasticity equations
for the bearing solid parts. Here, a reference texture geometry is considered, while
proper thermal and structural boundary conditions are implemented. For representative film
thickness values, the effect of rotational speed and collar thickness on bearing
performance is quantified, and the resulting pad and rotor deformation fields are
computed. It is found that, due to oil heating, the load carrying capacity decreases with
rotational speed for values higher that approximately 2000 rpm. The computed rotor
deformation field is representative of a fixed support beam, characterized by
substantially higher levels than those of the bearing pad. Rotor deformations increase
substantially at low values of collar thickness.