Michell Bearings propeller shaft thrust block

In 1905, Michell Bearings patented a type of bearing where the load was carried upon a hydrodynamic oil film generated by a series of pivoting white metal (or babbitt) faced pads. The principle was applied to both thrust blocks and journal bearings and became known as the Michell Bearing.

The purpose of a thrust block, or tilting pad bearing, in a marine shaftline is to transfer the force created by the movement of the propeller through the water to the housing into the ship's structure.

The thrust block housing contains either white metal or PTFE lined thrust pads. The thrust pads are positioned in a retaining ring which locates them around a machined collar on the thrust shaft.

Radial loads can be supported on white metal lined plain journal bearings or white metal lined tilting journal pads. The use of tilting journal pads increases the dynamic shaft misalignment capacity of the bearing.

The pads are protected from wear by a hydrodynamic oil film which is located between the pads and the thrust shaft. The hydrodynamic oil film is maintained by the rotation of the shaft.

At Michell Bearings, we have over 100 years of experience in designing main propulsion thrust blocks for surface ships and submarines. Our thrust blocks are designed to suit individual projects, or can be developed from existing designs.

We have an extensive installed base of equipment on all types of marine vessels including mega yachts, cruise ships, ice breakers, research ships, patrol vessels, auxiliary vessels, frigates, destroyers, aircraft carriers and submarines.