Development of a CFD based parametric GUI for the design of the rectangular aerostatic thrust bearings

Abstract

The CFD method is capable to investigate the influence of the geometrical parameters of the air film and the manufacturing error on the performance of aerostatic bearings. To facilitate the CFD based design of the aerostatic bearings, a parametric GUI for analyzing the performance of aerostatic bearing is developed, by which the performance of aerostatic bearings with varying geometrical parameters and manufacturing errors can be simulated efficiently. Furthermore, as a case study, the influence of the key geometrical parameters and the manufacturing errors on the performance of rectangular aerostatic bearings is investigated, which provides guidance for the design and manufacturing process of an aerostatic stage. Finally, the experimental test was conducted to verify the simulation result.