Numerical modeling and experimental verification of compressible squeeze film pressure

Abstract

The validity of using the Reynolds equation for compressible squeeze film pressure was tested with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A squeeze film air bearing was instrumented with pressure sensors and non-contacting displacement probes to provide transient measurements of film thickness and pressure. The film thickness measurements also provided input parameters to the numerical prediction. However, numerical results showed a larger load capacity than those suggested from the experimental results. Furthermore, the nonlinear time averaged positive pressure described by the Reynolds equation was not evident in the experimental study.