The hydrid bearing system available for licensing by NASA has a rolling element bearing which is engaged during turbopump startup and shutdown and a hydrostatic bearing which engages during operating speeds. This reduces wear and tear on the machinery during the most stressful times of operation when hydrostatic lubrication is unavailable.

Potential Commercial Uses

With the increasing interest in the privatization of accessing space, systems which will allow the construction of commercial space launch vehicles will be of significant value. The technology also may be applied to other types of pumping systems where similar high demands exist.

Benefits

This type of lubrication system may be suitable for commercial high-pressure fluid pumping systems which operate under conditions similar to those which occur in rocket engines.

The Technology

Rocket engines obtain power by burning fuel and an oxidizer which are mixed, pressurized, and directed to the combustion chamber by means of a turbopump. Hydrostatic bearings are used in these pumps because, during flight, hydrostatic lubrication can reduce roller bearing wear. A problem arises during startup, acceleration, and shutdown when high-pressure fluids are not available to provide hydrostatic lubrication. During this time a second bearing is required to carry the load, making hybrid hydrostatic-rolling element bearings desirable. The rolling element bearing is locked on a stationary housing through which a rotating journal passes. A transient supporting ring is keyed to the journal. It is adapted to lock on the rolling element bearing so that the rolling element bearing supports radial loads during start-up, initial acceleration, deceleration, and shutdown. It disengages at high speed.

Options for Commercialization

The hybrid bearing system design is part of the NASA Technology Transfer Program available to industry. A patent for the system has been issued to the Marshall Space Flight Center. Engineering drawings of all parts and assemblies are available.

Patent Number

5,348,401

Contact for Licensing Information

Technology Transfer Office
Patent Licensing Information
Mail Code CD30
Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

Key Words

Hydrostatic
Bearings
Hybrid
Turbopump

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