Slipper Bearings and Vibration Control in Small Gas Turbines

Several new principles of bearing design have proved effective in improving the reliability and smoothness of small gas turbines. The key development was the tilting-slipper thrust bearing which not only provided important radial clearance, but also made possible higher speeds at higher thrust loads. One of the unique features considered important for performance and low production costs is that the slippers float in their retainers instead of having fixed pivots.