Static tilt characteristics of aerostatic rectangular double-pad thrust bearings with compound restrictors

Aerostatic rectangular thrust bearings with compound restrictors have often been used in ultra-precision machine tools and precision measuring equipment because high bearing stiffness is easily achieved. Compound restrictors combine a feed-hole restrictor with a groove compensation restrictor. This paper investigates, theoretically and experimentally, the static tilt characteristics of aerostatic rectangular double-pad thrust bearings with compound restrictors, when coupled loads or offset loads are applied. Furthermore, the usefulness of aerostatic thrust bearings with compound restrictors is clarified by comparison with the characteristics of conventional aerostatic thrust bearing with feedhole restrictors.