DefinePK

Abstract

The thrust bearing in aircraft engines and power plants takes in the axial force, which is transmitted through the power components on the engine attachment points to an aircraft. The magnitude of the axial force depends on the engine parameters. In modern engines with high values of thrust or power, the axial force magnitude will exceed the permissible value almost always. Therefore, the problem of thrust bearing unloading is an important scientific task. The discharge methods used in modern aircraft engines are associated with the extraction of the engine air flow, which reduces its effectiveness. The paper proposes the discharge device design for the thrust bearing of an engine rotor based on the gas-dynamic seal use. In this device, the seal will perform its basic function of oil chamber sealing and the additional function consisting in the thrust bearing discharge. The article also describes the discharge device construction and the methods of its operation are described. The gas-dynamic mechanical seal with spiral grooves is considered as the core element of the developed device. The paper presents the mathematical model of such a seal. Also, the results of the theoretical and experimental studies of the designed discharge device, confirming its performance.