Research on aerodynamic performance analysis of micro radial spiral-grooved air bearing

Abstract The paper simulates and analyzes the internal gas of the spiral-groove radial air bearing. Bearing clearance pressure distribution and bearing load capacity were obtained. Under various geometrical parameters and operational circumstances, the air flow properties of air bearings were examined and contrasted. There is established a law for the variation of air flow properties. The bearing geometric parameters are optimized which affect the gas bearing pressure and bearing capacity. The research provided a useful reference for the design and optimization of the air bearings. It is found that the bearing capacity increases with the increase of eccentricity. The bearing reaches the best effect when the groove depth is 40 μ m and the groove number is 40.