What are the names of thrust bearings?

A family of rotary bearings specifically designed to support axial loads.

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What is a Thrust Bearing?

A thrust bearing is a specialized type of rotary bearing. Like other bearings, they facilitate rotation between parts, but they are specifically designed to support predominantly axial loads.

Types of Thrust Bearings

Thrust bearings are available in multiple variants, including:

• Thrust ball bearings: These comprise bearing balls positioned within a ring and are suitable for low-thrust applications with minimal axial load.
• Cylindrical thrust roller bearings: Featuring small cylindrical rollers arranged parallel to the axis of the bearing, they provide excellent carrying capacity at a low cost but may experience wear due to differing radial speeds and increased friction compared to ball bearings.
• Tapered roller thrust bearings: These incorporate tapered rollers arranged to converge at a central point along the bearing's axis. The dimensions of the roller and the angles need careful calibration to ensure proper contact without skidding. They are commonly used in automotive applications, such as wheel support, and can handle greater thrust loads due to a larger contact area.
• Spherical roller thrust bearings: Using uniquely shaped rollers that self-align, they can manage combined radial and axial loads, also accommodating shaft misalignment. They are frequently paired with radial spherical roller bearings and offer the highest rated load density among thrust bearings.
• Fluid bearings: These rely on a thin layer of pressurized liquid to support axial thrust, providing low drag characteristics.
• Magnetic bearings: Axial thrust here is supported on a magnetic field, ideal for applications requiring high speeds or minimal drag.

Thrust bearings find broad usage in automotive, marine, and aerospace fields, serving essential roles in various components. For example, they are employed in modern car gearboxes equipped with helical gears that generate axial forces demanding suitable management.

Fluid Film Thrust Bearings

Fluid-film thrust bearings were pioneered by Albert Kingsbury and George Michell. These bearings consist of sector-shaped pads arranged circularly around a shaft, free to pivot and forming wedge-shaped oil regions to support thrust loads without direct metal contact.

These innovations significantly reduced friction, contributing to the capability of developing powerful engines and propellers. Both Kingsbury and Michell's designs have become standard bearings in turbine shafts globally.

Explore Further

For more comprehensive knowledge about bearings, explore our complete guide to rolling bearings and their various load types, including axial loads.

Thrust Bearings Overview

Thrust bearings support thrust loads applied to a shaft and are divided into categories based on their rolling elements. Understanding the types and functionalities can aid in selecting the optimal bearing for specific applications.

Among the different varieties include thrust ball bearings and thrust roller bearings, which serve differing needs based on application specifics. Here’s a brief overview:

FAQs

What does a thrust bearing do?

A thrust bearing is designed to support axial loads along a shaft, either horizontally or vertically.

What's the difference between a thrust and radial bearing?

Thrust bearings are intended for axial loads, while radial bearings support radial loads.

For additional information regarding bearings, please reach out. Our team will be glad to provide you with expert insights. You can find more about our Thrust Roller Bearings manufacturer.