cruzinonline
Mechanical
- Jan 26, 2006
- 5
I have a situation with limited information. During the investigation of a shaft failure, it appears the owner installed a thrust collar on the outboard end of a shaft. The only evidence available shows thrust collars on the inboard shaft. It has been my experience that long shafts, especially those exposed to high thermal loads only have one thrust bearing to allow the shaft axial movement due to thermal expansion. I am thinking the cause of the failure may have been aggravated by the high stess caused by the trapped shaft. The failure was adjacent to the bearing (highest stress area) on the end that had the thrust collar. Questions to all of you intelligent people, Has anyone heard or seen of a dual thrust setup (approximately 20' apart)? Does anyone agree with my theory? Does anyone have any published information that would (1) show the typical arrangement of bearings and thrust bearings clear enough to demonstrate to people with limited experience (i.e. attorneys) or (2) otherwise support or discount my theory? Your assistance would be appreciated.