Experimental study on load capacity of nanoparticles-laden gas film in thrust bearing

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the load capacity of nanoparticles-laden gas film (NLGF) in thrust bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

SiO₂ nanoparticles were added into gas to form an NLGF. The nanoparticles volume fraction in the film was controlled by a vibrator. The film thickness and the film pressure were measured by a micro cantilever displacement sensor and a membrane pressure sensor, respectively. The total load that makes the film thickness keeping constant was quantified, and then, the film load capacity was obtained.

Findings

The investigation shows that nanoparticles can enlarge the film load capacity remarkably; even a little amount of nanoparticles (0.01 per cent) could lead to a sharp rise. With the increase of nanoparticles volume fraction, load capacity increases. However, the increment of load capacity decreases gradually. In addition, the film pressure variation proves the enhancement effect of nanoparticles on the film load capacity.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is restricted to the findings based on NLGF, which is formed by dispersing SiO₂ nanoparticles in gas film as an additive. The experimental results are applicable within the range of nanoparticles volume fraction of 0.01-0.33 per cent.

Originality/value

The fact that nanoparticles could enlarge the gas film load capacity is verified by experiment for the first time. This study reveals the corresponding relation between nanoparticles volume fraction and the film load capacity.

Citation

Yang, Z., Diao, D., Fan, H., Fan, X. and Wang, C. (2015), "Experimental study on load capacity of nanoparticles-laden gas film in thrust bearing", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 67 No. 3, pp. 233-239. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-03-2013-0026