Discharge coefficients of orifice-type restrictor for aerostatic bearings

The paper describes an experimental study conducted in order to determine the supply hole discharge coefficients of externally pressurized gas bearings. Tests were carried out on annular orifices and simple orifices with feed pocket. Air consumption and pressure distributions were measured as a function of supply pressure and air gap height for several different orifice and pocket sizes. Discharge coefficients were approximated by an experimental formula based on the Reynolds number and feeding systems geometry.