Mechanical Engineering

Thursday, 21 June 2012

Rudder Carrier bearings

Rudder Carrier bearings

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The rudder carrier bearing takes the weight of the rudder on a grease lubricated thrust face. The rudder
stock is located by the journal, also grease lubricated. Support for the bearing is provided by a doubler
plate and steel chock. The base of the carrier bearing is located by wsdge type side chocks, welded to
the deck stiffening. The carrier is of meehanite with a gunmetal thrust ring and bush. Carrier bearing
components are split as necessary for removal or replacement. Screw down lubricators are tted, and
the grease used for lubrication is of a water resistant type (calcium soap based with graphite).

Weardown
A small allowance is made for weardown, which must be periodically checked. This may be measured
either between pads welded on top of the rudder and onto the rudder horn, or between the top of the
rudder stock and a xed mark on the inner structure of the steering gear at. The latter generally
involves the use of a 'Trammel gauge' which takes the form of a 'L' shaped rod ade to t the new
condition of the gear. As wear down occurs it can easily be checked with this gauge. The rudder is
prevented from jumping by rudder stops welded onto the stern frame.

Rudder movement stops

Rudder stops are arranged as follows;
Angle from centreline Position of stop Note
35o On telemotor system Normal limit
37o On steering gear Prevents rudder striking external stops
39o External, on stern frame emergency stop to protect propeller
These limits refer to rudders of traditional design and is governed by both the physical layout of the
rudder and actuator but also due to the stall angles of the rudder. i.e. the angle at which lift ( turning
moment ) is reduced or lost with increasing angle of attack. There are designs of rudder such as
becker ap which have increased stall angles up to 45o
Critical proling of carrier bearing
critically proled carrier bearing

Reasons for critical contouring of thrust face;

1. for lubrication
2. conical in order to prevent side slip and centralise rudder
3. projected area gives greater bearing area allowing smaller diameter bearing