Structure Optimization of Aerostatic Thrust Bearing Based on Air Film Pressure Field Characteristics Analysis

The air film pressure field (AFPF) of aerostatic thrust bearings significantly determines the working performance of the bearings, and the characteristics of AFPF are closely related to the bearing structure parameters. This study carried out the structure optimization of aerostatic thrust bearing based on the analysis of the AFPF characteristics. The influence law of the number, distribution and the outlet shape of the orifices, as well as the bearing diameter on the static performance of the bearing was investigated. The relationship between bearing structural parameters, AFPF characteristics and bearing static performance was established and effectively used for the structure optimization of aerostatic thrust bearing. The simulation results were verified by the experiment. The results show that the static performance analysis of the aerostatic thrust bearing based on the AFPF characteristics can effectively provide a theoretical basis for the design and optimization of the bearing structure, and improve the bearing performance.