Experimental Study on the Dynamics of a Gas-Levitated Disk

Abstract

Equilibrium and dynamic data are presented along with specifications of uncertainties for the dynamic vertical motion of a solid disk supported above a flat plate by a thin layer of gas which flows from a central orifice. The equilibrium data are compared with an equilibrium theory while the dynamic data are compared with both nonlinear and linear dynamic theories. These data extend beyond the expected region of validity of the theories first to identify the limits of present theories and also to provide data for comparison with future theories.