Modeling of aerostatic bearing orifices

The development of micro drilling systems requires small bearings that can stand high rotational speed. Aerostatic bearings suit these needs as they can easily be miniaturized and there is no contact between the shaft and the case, thus reducing the power dissipation. The load passes from the shaft to the case through the film of fluid, usually air, between the two parts. This film is fed by pressurized fluid through orifices drilled in the case.

This project is about the modeling of the fluid through an orifice and can be separated in two independent parts:

1.     Find a simple model that will be used in the modeling of the full bearing. This model must be as simple as possible to allow a fast execution and must take into account the non-stationary effects.

2.     Characterize the different shapes and configurations of an orifice using numerical simulations (angled orifice, a small chamber between the orifice and the film …).

Advisor: Yoan Marchand