Study on the performance of spiral-grooved semi-spherical air bearings using Taguchi method

A self-acting air bearing draws surrounding air into the gap between the stator and rotor, and does not need any air pressurizing equipment. This type of air bearing has wide potential application. In this study, parametric and interaction effects on the bearing performance are investigated experimentally and optimal conditions are found for self-acting spiral grooved semi-spherical air bearings using the Taguchi method. The three design parameters are clearance, groove depth and out-of-sphericity. The performance factors are axial runout and axial impulse stiffness. Investigation of the effects of the design parameters shows that high performance is achieved generally for a small clearance. Optimal conditions are found to depend on a performance factor.