Research on the influence of a micro-groove-orifice structure and its layout form on the static characteristics of aerostatic journal bearings under a high gas supply pressure

Abstract

To solve the problems of a low gas supply pressure and low load capacity of traditional orifice-compensated aerostatic journal bearings (OCAJBs), this paper presents the design of a double-row gas supply micro-groove-orifice aerostatic journal bearing (MGOAJB). By establishing new governing equations and introducing the SST k- ω turbulence model, the influence of the micro-groove-orifice (MGO) structure and its layout form on the static characteristics of aerostatic journal bearings under a high gas supply pressure are studied. It is found that under high gas supply pressure, the MGO structure can significantly improve the load capacity and stiffness and reduce the gas consumption of the MGOAJB compared with the OCAJB. With additional MGO structures in the eccentric direction of the spindle, the load capacity and stiffness of the bearing increase substantially, and the gas flow also increases. The layout direction of the MGO has a prominent influence on the static characteristics of the MGOAJB. Axial MGOs have a higher load capacity and stiffness and lower gas flow. The accuracy of the simulation method is verified by experiments. This study provides a theoretical basis and method for the design of aerostatic journal bearings under a high gas supply pressure.