Self acting air-lubricated groove bearing can be used in high-speed and high-precision spindle system because of its advantages such as low frictional loss, low heat generation, averaging effect leading better running accuracy and simplicity in manufacturing.
In this thesis, numerical analysis is undertaken to calculate the performance of self acting air-lubricated groove bearing as groove geometry varies. The static and dynamic performances of spiral groove bearings, herringbone groove bearings and step-pocket bearings, which can be used to support the thrust load, are calculated and compared each other. The stability of herringbone groove journal bearings is numerically analyzed and the groove geometry to improve the stability is determined.
The validity of the theoretical method is verified by the experimental result to measure the air film thickness using the designed apparatus for inward pumping spiral groove bearing.
