Dynamic behaviour of aerostatic rectangular thrust bearings

A theoretical study to determine the dynamic stiffness and damping characteristics of an aerostatic rectangular thrust bearing is presented. The governing non-linear partial differential equation of film pressure is linearized using a first-order perturbation method. The perturbed equations are solved numerically to determine the dynamic load, which in turn gives the stiffness and damping characteristics. The effect of various parameters on stiffness and damping is also investigated.