Numerical and experimental analysis of aerostatic thrust bearings with porous restrictors

The finite element method is used to predict the performance of aerostatic thrust bearings with a complete porous surface. Results obtained by a 1D and 3D source flow model derived from D’Arcy’s law are compared for rectangular porous bearings having an infinite width. It turns out that the 1D source flow model is adequate for practical design parameters. For a circular aerostatic porous thrust bearing results calculated with several mathematical models for the source flow and slip flow are compared with experimental results. A relatively simple model incorporating unflatness and deformation of the bearing surface correlates well with the experimentally determined bearing performance.