Abstract: The classical hydrodynamic lubrication theory cannot predict lubrication failure existing in the engineering used thrust bearing is pointed out that. The basic theory for analysis of lubrication failure is presented. The mechanism of temperature induced lubrication failure, the thermal fluid constitutive equation and the critical film thickness are discussed. The comparison of the result obtained by the lubrication failure theory with experiments and the classical lubrication theory is given. Some domestic thrust bearings and several designing schemes of the thrust bearings for the Three Gorges power station are analyzed.

Key words: Failure, Hydrodynamic lubrication, Thrust bearings