Liquid-Mercury Lubricated Hydrosphere Bearings
Report Number: ASD-TDR-62-465 p. 227-239
Author(s): Ono, G. Y., Reemsnyder, D. C.
Corporate Author(s): Thompson Ramo Wooldridge, Inc.
Date of Publication: 1962-05
Pages: 13
Contract: AF 33(616)-7223
DoD Project: 3044
DoD Task: 30169
Identifier: This paper is part of a conference proceedings. See AD0278843
Abstract:
The SNAP I power conversion system utilizes mercury as the working fluid in a Rankine closed-cycle heat engine in order to convert nuclear energy to electrical energy in space. Utilization of the working fluids as the bearing lubricant in the turbomachinery package eliminates the need for seals and provides a hermetic ally sealed package unit. The bearings were required to operate continuously and unattended for sixty days with a minimum power loss at 40,000 rpm and 400° F . The hydrosphere bearing, which is a mated spherical journal and hemispherical socket, has both thrust and radial load capacity, good dynamic stability, misalignment capability, and close control of clearances for other rotating components. Analytical expressions are presented for flow, torque, axial load capacity, and pressure distribution for the hydrosphere be a ring. Experimental results of the bearing development program and a discussion of the liquid mercury bearing test rigs are included. Satisfactory bearing life capabilities have been exhibited in a 2510-hour endurance test of the system prototype test package with the 1/2-inch diameter hydrosphere bearings under simulated ground operating conditions.
Author(s): Ono, G. Y., Reemsnyder, D. C.
Corporate Author(s): Thompson Ramo Wooldridge, Inc.
Date of Publication: 1962-05
Pages: 13
Contract: AF 33(616)-7223
DoD Project: 3044
DoD Task: 30169
Identifier: This paper is part of a conference proceedings. See AD0278843
Abstract:
The SNAP I power conversion system utilizes mercury as the working fluid in a Rankine closed-cycle heat engine in order to convert nuclear energy to electrical energy in space. Utilization of the working fluids as the bearing lubricant in the turbomachinery package eliminates the need for seals and provides a hermetic ally sealed package unit. The bearings were required to operate continuously and unattended for sixty days with a minimum power loss at 40,000 rpm and 400° F . The hydrosphere bearing, which is a mated spherical journal and hemispherical socket, has both thrust and radial load capacity, good dynamic stability, misalignment capability, and close control of clearances for other rotating components. Analytical expressions are presented for flow, torque, axial load capacity, and pressure distribution for the hydrosphere be a ring. Experimental results of the bearing development program and a discussion of the liquid mercury bearing test rigs are included. Satisfactory bearing life capabilities have been exhibited in a 2510-hour endurance test of the system prototype test package with the 1/2-inch diameter hydrosphere bearings under simulated ground operating conditions.
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