Investigation into the Failure Casue of a Double Acting, Leading Edge Groove, Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing

Abstract : This report describes the results of bench tests simulating operation and failure of a thrust bearing used in a gas turbine engine compressor development test rig. The bearing was a double acting, tilting pad with offset pivot, leading edge groove configuration using an AMS 4928 titanium collar and C18200 copper-chrome alloy pads with a No. 2 babbitt face. The bench tests successfully simulated the bearing failure and demonstrated a materials incompatibility. This was supported by visual examination, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy spectroscopy. A comparison of the bench test results to the compressor rig bearing failure is provided to support the report conclusions.