Thrust bearing

Like other bearings they permanently rotate between parts, but they are designed to support a predominantly axial load.

[7] The first Kingsbury bearing in hydroelectric service, one of its major applications, was installed at the Holtwood Generating Station in 1912.

Fluid thrust bearings contain a number of sector-shaped pads, arranged in a circle around the shaft, and which are free to pivot.

These create wedge-shaped regions of oil inside the bearing between the pads and a rotating disk, which support the applied thrust and eliminate metal-on-metal contact.

In addition to the traditional babbitt bearings which were used since the early 20th century, new materials for the thrust pads have come into use.