Physical models, theory and fundamental improvement to self-acting spiral-grooved gas bearings and visco-seals

Abstract

A model of a self-acting gas bearing and a visco-seal with congruent spiral grooves of different depths on both bearing surfaces is introduced. A new model general theory, consisting of the well-known Whipple—Pan—Vohr—Malanoski theory of conventional spiral-grooved gas bearings as a special case, is outlined. Problems of geometry parameter optimization with respect to the load capacity, the stiffness and the pressure above atmospheric pressure are then solved. It is proved that the optimum geometry is identical spiral grooves on both bearing surfaces. A model with this geometry was termed a binary model. It is shown that the power characteristics of a binary self-acting gas bearing and visco-seals are 60 per cent as effective as the best world-wide analogues of other types, while their viscous torque is lower by not less than 5 per cent.