A parametric study of the hydro-support

A low maintenance, low cost, lock-gate support has been developed as an alternative to the classic wheel-on-rail support. This hydro-support consists of a water lubricated, elastic hydrostatic thrust bearing sliding on an elastic and (unavoidably) non-smooth track. In this paper, a mathematical model has been used to study some design properties (load and flow rate) of the hydro-support. The random character of the track surface waviness reduces the predictability of these properties for a given geometry. The bearing is connected to the lock-gate using an elastic, rubber support. The concept of an ‘ideal’ support has been introduced. It has been shown that a hydro-support using this support, combined with a reduced bearing thickness is able to follow the surface waviness of the track.