A simplified calculation method on the performance analysis of aerostatic thrust bearing with multiple pocketed orifice-type restrictors

This paper describes a simplified performance calculation method of aerostatic thrust bearing with multiple pocketed orifice-type restrictors. It also explains theoretically the influence of film thickness, orifice diameter, gas property, supply pressure, and structural parameters on the bearing's performance. Compared to finite element method (FEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this method is much easier. Furthermore, it simplifies the performance prediction and parameters optimization, and facilitates the application of this kind of bearing.

► We present a simplified calculation method for aerostatic bearing with multiple restrictors.
► We give the calculation procedure of the method in detail.
► The accuracy of the calculation method is verified by finite element method.
► The effect of bearing's parameters on its performance is analyzed theoretically and numerically.