Summary
This contribution presents the computational model of the tilting pad journal bearing with a detailed model of elastic contact between the journal and the pads. The lightly loaded upper pads can exhibit self-excited vibration called pad fluttering for several operating conditions. This motion can further result in potential undesirable contact damaging the pad due to repeatable hits of two solid bodies. The magnitude of the elastic force has a significant impact on the service life of the pad and the whole rotor system, potentially. The evaluated elastic force in the contact between the journal and the pad is further used to describe the mechanism of the pad's damage, resulting in qualitative changes on the sliding surface.
