Bearings for marine geared turbines

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Newman, A.D.

Abstract: The prime requirements of bearings for marine geared turbines, reliability and efficiency, are considered. It is shown that the correct choice of length/diameter ratio and clearance ratio is essential in order to attain these requirements, and it is indicated that for the conditions which occur in most marine turbine and gear bearings, relatively short bearings with length/diameter ratio between two-thirds and one-third, and clearance ratios between one and two thousandths of an inch per inch diameter, give the best results. Bearing and shell materials are discussed. The advantages of high-tin whitemetal as bearing material are shown, and the relative merits of non-ferrous and ferrous shell materials are considered. It is concluded that the best general design is one of thin whitemetal on a steel shell; the shell may be of normal thickness or it may be of thin shell type, and the advantages of this design are considered. The requirement of utmost reliability in a marine bearing involves if possible the ability for limited operation under a condition of lubricating oil failure. The shortcomings in this respect of present bearings are mentioned, and an improved design which overcomes them is described.

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-1956-32602

Journal: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 3, no. 26, pp. 528-539, 1956