Numerical Analysis of Orifice-Type Aerostatic Thrust Bearing

Abstract

This thesis provides the study about an analysis of aerostatic thrust bearing. In a very high-speed machine, regular bearing cannot be used. At very high speed about 300000 rpm to 600000 rpm, typical bearing gets high friction and wear. Because of this reason thrust bearings are used. In the analysis part, Reynolds equation for aerostatic thrust bearing have been solved by using FDM (Finite Difference Method).The Finite difference method is a numerical method to solve a nonlinear differential equation that is in non-dimensional form. By the principle of discretization with using MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) software solutions have been found based on convergence condition. After solving the Reynold’s equation, pressure variation over-bearing has been found. Once the pressure distribution was calculated, load carrying capacity, and mass flow rate was calculated.