A novel optimization design method for obtaining high-performance micro-hole aerostatic bearings with experimental validation

Abstract

Micro-hole aerostatic bearings have received broadly attention due to their inherent high stability, large load capacity, and higher stiffness, etc. However, the performances of micro-hole aerostatic bearings are strictly influenced by the number, diameter, and location of the micro-holes. In particular, the number of micro-holes must be large enough for bearings achieving better performances, which determines that there are many design variables. So, it is very time-consuming to design the micro-hole aerostatic bearings with desired performances. Therefore, a novel multi-objective optimization design method is proposed for quickly and efficiently designing the ideal micro-hole aerostatic bearings which have the characteristics that both the maximum load capacity and stiffness are large. The proposed method couples the solving Reynolds equation, micro multi-objective genetic algorithm (μMOGA), and min-max method. The Reynolds equation included in the μMOGA is calculated to obtain the objective values. The design variables for Reynolds equation are confirmed by genetic operating the objective values. The Pareto optimal solutions are constructed by non-dominated ranking the objective values. Then, the ideal optimal bearings are obtained from the Pareto optimal solutions based on min-max method. Four optimal designed micro-hole aerostatic bearings are manufactured by laser technology. Meanwhile, the load capacity and stiffness of the bearings are tested. The effectiveness of the optimization design method is verified by comparing theoretical and experimental data.