CFD based investigation on influence of orifice chamber shapes for the design of aerostatic thrust bearings at ultra-high speed spindles

The influences of six orifice chamber configurations on performance characteristics of aerostatic thrust bearings under various operating conditions are thoroughly studied using the computational fluid dynamics approach. Experiments are carried out to further verify the simulations. The obtained results show that there are many differences in performance behaviors of the aerostatic thrust bearing caused by different orifice chamber shapes. Further analysis represents that the pressure depression, gas vortices, and the turbulent intensity which are all weakened with decreasing air film thickness. The load capacity of the aerostatic thrust bearing slightly decreases with increasing rotational speeds of the spindle. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.