A Study on Foil Bearings : An Application to Tape Memory Devices

Abstract

Film thickness and pressure distributions in foil bearings are analysed in connection with magnetic tape memory devices. The finite element technique is used. As examples, analyses are done in cases of a circular head and a double apex head. The results are given in graphs. The region of constant film thickness and the pressure spike in the exit region, both of which are typical features of elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication, are clearly seen in them. Experiments are also carried out in case of a circular head. Close agreements between calculated and experimental results are obtained.