The coupled thermo elastohydrodynamic model of the tiltingpad thrust bearing with rigid and elastic support was established.In the elastic deformation analysis of the rubber pad of tiltingpad thrust bearing supported by elastic rubber,the transfer matrix of tile surface deformation structure was established to coordinate the deformation of rubber and the distribution of water film thickness,and simulated annealing algorithm was introduced in the process of searching steady state solution.Based on the variational principle,the Reynolds equation was solved and the water film pressure distribution was obtained.The static characteristics of tiltingpad thrust bearing with rigid and elastic support were compared when the rotor angle misalignment exits.The results show that under ideal working conditions,there is no obvious difference in static characteristics between the tiltingpad thrust bearings with rigid and elastic support.When the rotor angle misalignment exits,the water film force of the pivotsupported tiltingpad bearing is seriously uneven between different tiles,as a result,the minimum water film thickness of the on the bearing surface is too small,and the tile is easy to wear.By contrast,the water film force distribution between different tiles of the elasticsupported tiltingpad bearing is more uniform,which is conducive to the longterm reliable operation of the thrust bearing.