Transient thermal effects in an infinite tilted-pad slider bearing

The transient characteristics of an infinite tilted-pad thrust bearing are studied numerically for a step change in the slider velocity. Numerical solutions indicate that the effect of temperature-dependent viscosity is to lower the temperature of the lubricant film and reduce the load capacity and drag. This is particularly true for lower vlaues of the modified Reynolds number. It is also shown that the transient characteristics depend on the initial condition of the bearing and on the terminal speed of the slider.