Michell Tilting Pad Bearing Apparatus

Overview

The Michell Tilting Pad Bearing Apparatus demonstrates the operating principle of the tilting pad thrust bearing, where self-aligning pads create a converging oil film wedge that generates hydrodynamic lifting pressure to support axial thrust loads without contact. Pressure distribution across each pad is measured through multiple tapping points connected to a manometer bank. Students measure load capacity, pressure distribution, and friction torque for different speeds, loads, and oil viscosities. The tilting pad bearing is fundamental to high-speed turbines, generators, and large rotating machinery where conventional plain thrust bearings would fail due to alignment errors and high speeds.

Specifications