Component level study of an actively lubricated LEG Tilting Pad Bearing: Theory and experiment

This article constitutes the second step in a research effort aiming at evaluating the feasibility of introducing active characteristics into standard leading edge groove (LEG) tilting pad journal bearings. The strategy proposed is to control the LEG inlet flow using a servovalve. This work portrays the first experimental study for the“proof of concept” of this configuration, as well as a comparison with theoretical results.

A simplified setup, featuring a rigid rotor supported by a single pad arrangement is the subject of study. The obtained results prove the viability of the proposed active bearing design, validate the available simulation tool and exemplify on a conceptual level the operational benefits from introducing this technology into standard LEG Tilting Pad Bearings.