Evaluation of the performance characteristics of aerostatic bearing with porous alumina (Al2O3) membrane using theoretical and experimental methods

Abstract

Instruments with high levels of precision commonly use aerostatic bearings. Moreover, the use of porous (Al2O3 membrane) material validates that the pressure is spread uniformly throughout the air film region. The impression of applied load on the thickness of the air film of the aerostatic bearings was evaluated using a certain experimental technique. As the applied load rises, the thickness of the air film expands, and as the compressive stress rises, it contracts. The theoretical model parameters were set using the experimental stipulations. It was discovered that the theoretical model and the experimental data were consistent. The pressure gradient induced in the air film and the air bearings’ capacity for carrying loads were calculated using a theoretical simulation. The results of theoretical modeling and experimental comparison of the different characteristics of porous (Al2O3 membrane) aerostatic bearings based on stiffness and load-carrying capacity are graphically illustrated in this study. Porous aerostatic bearings with Al2O3 membranes have a number of potential applications, including high-speed spindles, precision instruments, microelectromechanical systems, vacuum pumps, cryogenic applications, etc.