A stacked foil thrust bearing assembly provides a compact, lightweight, high
load
capacity, high temperature, oil-free foil thrust bearing for use in high speed
rotating machinery. A stacked foil thrust bearing assembly comprises a plurality
of thrust runners in adjacently spaced and parallel relationship. Each thrust runner
includes an annular-shaped portion having generally opposite axial sides, and a
thrust bearing positioned on each of the generally opposite axial sides. Each thrust
bearing includes a thrust bearing plate and a spring plate operatively engaging
the thrust bearing plate. A plurality of foils are circumaxially dispersed about
one axial side of the thrust bearing plates. A plurality of springs are circumaxially
dispersed about one axial side of the spring bearing plates.