Journal of Tribology · 2000 · 52 citations · 3 references
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringAerospace MaterialsAerospace StructuresStructural MaterialsBearing DesignPorous MaterialsThrust SystemsAir BearingsBearing DynamicsBearing GeometryBearing MaterialsMechanical Properties Of Porous MaterialsPorous MediaThrust Bearings
Graphite porous material is used in aerostatic bearings, but thinning it to reduce size weakens the material and, for large diameters, impedes air supply because the pad deforms. The study proposes two air‑supply strategies—annular groove and hole supply—to prevent bearing surface deflection in circular aerostatic porous thrust bearings. Static and dynamic performance of the bearing with these supply methods, including the influence of a surface‑restricted layer, are examined through theoretical analysis and experimental testing.
Recently, graphite porous material has been used successfully in an aerostatic bearing. In actual bearing design, it is often necessary to reduce the thickness of porous material to make the bearing smaller. However, a reduction in thickness results in a reduction in the strength of the porous material. In particular, when the diameter of porous material is large, it is difficult to supply the air through the full pad area of porous material because it deforms. Therefore, in this paper, two types of air supply method (the annular groove supply and the hole supply) in a circular aerostatic porous thrust bearing are proposed to avoid the deflection of the bearing surface. The static and dynamic characteristics of aerostatic porous bearing with these air supply methods are investigated theoretically and experimentally. In addition, the effects of a surface restricted layer on the characteristics are clarified.
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