Lumped parameters models of rectangular pneumatic pads: Static analysis

•A lumped parameters model was developed to calculate the static performance of rectangular air pads.•The model is useful for a rapid design of a pneumatic bearing.•The model is sufficiently accurate if compared with a distributed parameters model but faster to implement.•Analysis of a number of geometric parameters provided useful information for designing new pads.

A lumped parameters model of a rectangular pneumatic pad is developed and static analysis is performed. The model can be implemented more quickly than a distributed parameters model and is equally accurate. The influence of geometric parameters is discussed to help the reader in the design of pneumatic pads. Analysis is carried out in dimensionless form to obtain results of general validity.