Failure modes of self-acting tension dominated foil bearings

الملخص EN

The failure modes of the self-acting tension dominated foil bearings were studied in this paper.

Experiments on a rotor supported by this type of bearing were carried out at speeds up to 60,000 rpm.

Early results showed frequent failures of the foils.

Failed foils were studied and failure modes were concluded.

Misalignment, surrounding particles, poor manufacturing, bearing low stiffness and damping, large amplitude vibration and rotor unbalance were the main reasons for these failure modes.

Late runs of the rotor, after the suggested improvements, showed a notable longer life of the bearing.