Modelling of an orifice-type aerostatic thrust bearing

The orifice type of aerostatic bearings have been used for precision machine. However, most of researchers are focus on the dynamic and stability analyses of aerostatic bearings instead of the design and development. This paper provides the basic frame work and the procedure for design and development of aerostatic bearings with the result from the experiment and finite element analysis. The finite element method is employed to obtain the numerical solution of the pressure distribution and the flow speed between the surface of aerostatic bearing and the slide surface. It can provide the information between the input pressure and the output pressure. The experiment includes the physical measurement of the air pressure on the aerostatic bearing and the stiffness and damping characteristics. This result can help the researchers and engineers to further understand the basic characteristics of aerostatic bearings and correct the design the aerostatic bearing for their application.