Modeling of Rotor P-Controlled Position on Thrust Bearing with Fixed Inclined Pads

The research considers a theoretical justification of mechatronic technology application to rotor-bearing nodes of Z-axis machines. A synergic effect occurring when controlling elements are introduced to a mechanical system in order to adjust the rotor's position by means of controlling the flow rate of a lubricant through a fluid-film thrust bearing using electrohydraulic servovalves is investigated. The mathematical model of an active hybrid thrust bearing with a central feeding channel is based on joint solution of equations of hydrodynamics, rotor dynamics and additional expressions to simulate the servovalve's operation. The numerical results presented in this paper allow for the evaluation of the control system influence on the operational parameters of the rotor-bearing node.