Statistical variation of porous aerostatic bearings
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the statistical variation of the performance of porous aerostatic bearings. A novel Repeatability Performance Parameter ( R p p ) is introduced to quantify bearing performance similarity across key performance variables, such as air gap height, bearing load capacity, stiffness, air flow, and air gap pressure distribution. An automated high precision measurement setup was developed to measure these parameters. Four sample bearing sets, consisting of three commercially available and one in-house manufactured, were analyzed. Surface roughness and planarity of the samples were evaluated using coherence scanning interferometry. Load capacity, air film stiffness, and pressure distribution were measured under varying loads. The results highlight significant variability in bearing performance both within and between manufacturers, emphasizing the need for improved manufacturing repeatability. The findings contribute to the advancement of aerostatic bearing technology by providing a quantitative assessment of bearing performance similarity. • Statistical analysis of porous and groove type aerostatic bearings. • 66 aerostatic bearing samples were investigated from 4 different manufacturers. • Numerical quality parameter was introduced.
Source: Precision Engineering
Institutions: Aalto University, Technische Universität Ilmenau
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,340
Funder: Business Finland
OpenAlex ID: W4413148986