Performance analysis of rotating externally pressurized air bearings

Abstract

The developed numerical method for solving the isothermal compressible Reynolds equation, which governs the equation of air-bearing analysis, is presented in this study. By using the assumption of mass flow continuity between the bearing clearance and orifices, the non-linear Reynolds equation is derived with the shaft-rotating effect. Newton's method is employed to linearize the Reynolds equation and an iterative successive relaxation process is used to solve for the air film pressure. The proposed method is valid for the analysis of film pressure distribution and load capability. This study gives a theoretical basis for the design of a pocket orifice externally pressurized bearing with the shaft-rotating effect considered, where the aerodynamic and aerostatic effects are coupled. Also, the numerical results indicate the difference between the two kinds of bearings mentioned above.