Theoretical analysis of compliance and dynamics quality of a lightly loaded aerostatic journal bearing with elastic orifices

Abstract

Active aerostatic bearings, the main advantage of which is their ability to provide negative compliance, are gradually being used in metal-cutting machines as load-bearing structures and as automatic compensators for the deformation of their technological system. The disadvantages of such bearings are an increased tendency to instability and poor dynamics quality. The article proposes a new design and method for improving the quality of the dynamics of aerostatic bearings. The study was made based on the static and dynamic characteristics of an active radial aerostatic bearing, which compensates for lubricant consumption by elastic orifices. The design implements the principle of combined external throttling, the use of which makes it possible to obtain high-quality characteristics in the low, zero, and negative compliance modes of the carrier lubricating gap. It was also established so that the design with rigid orifices provides ideal dynamics quality and can be used instead of conventional aerostatic bearings with simple or ring diaphragms.