Measurements on scaled models of thrust pads

Reasons for use of scaled models in lubrication are put forward. It is shown how such models of thrust pads having a stepped surface can be used and how pressures, thrust and friction can be measured. In the family of pads chosen for experimentation, the lateral steps make an angle of cot^?12 with the free-stream direction, and the position of step which is at right angles to the oil flow and which joins the lateral steps is assumed to be at both optimum and non-optimum conditions with respect to the thrust/friction ratio. The mean experimental results for thrust load lie within +10 percent of the theory when obtained from pressure distribution and within +20 percent when obtained from direct-force measurements. For friction, the appropriate departures when obtained from pressure and direct-force measurements are ±2 percent and +8 percent.