Effects of Gas Inertia Forces on Dynamic Characteristics of Externally Pressurized Gas-Lubricated Thrust Bearings : 1st Report, Bearing Performance of Externally Pressurized Gas-Lubricated Circular Thrust Bearings with a Single Central Supply Hole in a Choked Condition

Abstract

In this report, two analytical models for a circular thrust bearing with a central supply hole are presented when the gas flow is choked at the inlet to the clearance space. These models are modifiable for an unchoked condition and enable one to analyze the dynamic performance of the bearing over a wide range of design conditions. From the experiment, it is concluded that the effects of the inertia forces are considerable when the feeding parameter is small, and that the presented analyses yield good predictions of both the bearing stiffness and the damping coefficient.