Design for static stiffness of hydrostatic bearings: double-action variable compensation of membrane-type restrictors and self-compensation

Abstract

Purpose – This article is the fourth part of a serial studies about constant and variable compensations of the closed-type hydrostatic plane-pad bearing, which is presented for the double-action membrane-type restrictor and self-type compensation. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The load capacity and static stiffness in thrust direction of the planar bearing is determined by the flow continuity equation which belongs to the same approaches as shown in previous parts of this serial studies. Findings – The results reveal that the appropriate range of recess pressure ratio and design parameters of bearing and restrictor for the infinite or maximum stiffness can be obtained. Also, the influence of design parameters on negative stiffness that should be avoided in bearing design is revealed in detail. Originality/value – The determination of design parameters of a double-action membrane-type restrictor can be yielded from finding results of this study for maximum stiffness in design of hydrostatic bearings.