Determination of the Discharge Coefficient of a Thin-Walled Orifice Used in Hydrostatic Bearings

Abstract

The characteristics of hydrostatic bearings can be influenced by the compensating device they use, for example, a thin-walled orifice (diaphragm). The flow through the orifice is given by a law where an ad hoc discharge coefficient appears, and, in order to guarantee the characteristics of the hydrostatic bearing, this coefficient must be calibrated. The aim of this work is to provide an accurate estimation of the discharge coefficient under specific conditions. Therefore an experimental bench was designed and a numerical model was carried out. The results obtained then by the experimental and theoretical approach were compared with the values given by the literature. Finally, the influence of the discharge coefficient on the behavior of a thrust bearing is examined.