Development of a hydrostatic journal bearing with micro porous CMC material

Abstract

Currently the launch systems for rockets are employing on the principle of reusability more and more, which means that bearing systems for turbopumps need a increased design life. With DLRs new hydrostatic journal bearing with transpiration lubricated microporous ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material DLR is going to test an alternative to common bearing systems. The theory behind these new journal bearings seems to be very promising. The first tribology tests to determine the coefficient of friction showed that the chosen CMCs are suitable and have good emergency operating features to act as a long-life high performance journal bearing. To vary the journal bearing dimension an adjusted bearing housing was developed.