HYDROSTATIC BEARING FEASIBILITY PROGRAM.

The objective of the Hydrostatic Bearing Feasibility Program is to establish the feasibility of liquid-lubricated hydrostatic journal and thrust bearings for large liquid rocket engine turbopumps. The four phases of the program are Phase I--Analysis of the possible application of hydrostatic bearings to 800K- to 6000K-lb thrust liquid rocket engine turbopumps. Phase II--Design of bearings and tester. Phase III--Fabrication. Phase IV-Setup and testing with oil and water. The analysis and design work of the first two phases was completed on schedule and submitted to the Air Force for approval on 31 July 1964. This work was approved and formally issued on 14 October 1964. Pertinent portions of the Phase I and II report are included in this report as the appendix. During this reporting period emphasis was placed on the fabrication of the test bearings and the tester in accordance with Phase III of the planned program.