On the static performance of aerostatic elements
Mikael Miettinen, Valtteri Vainio, René Theska, Raine Viitala
Abstract
Porous aerostatic bearings and seals offer several advantages in precision engineering applications. The static performance of aerostatic elements, i.e., bearings and seals, is investigated both experimentally and numerically. This study presents a method, a test setup, and a measurement of the air gap pressure distribution with high spatial and temporal resolution. The experimental results are compared to a numerical model based on the modified Reynolds equation. This study also presents experimental and numerical results of the load capacity, air gap height, static stiffness, air consumption, and air gap pressure distribution. Furthermore, boundaries for the operating parameter space of the investigated seal, defined by stiffness and leakage, are determined. The results show good agreement to each other, providing corroborative evidence for the accuracy of the measurement setup and feasibility of the pressure measurement method.