Some Experimental Results From Compliant Air Lubricated Thrust Bearings

Abstract

Experimental results are presented from a series of tests on axisymmetric, inherently compensated, air thrust bearings which had one compliant surface. The results demonstrate that in general compliant surface bearings have greater load capacities than equivalent rigid surface bearings. The dependence of load, flow, and stability on the nature of the compliant layer is also shown. Comparisons with the load capacities predicted theoretically by Pirvics and Castelli show agreement in the range of most practical interest, that is when the load advantage vis-à-vis rigid bearings is greatest.