A method designed for bionic air bearing based on the structure of long-eared owl wing

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design a kind of air bearing which is based on bionics. Compare with ordinary air bearing, the air pressure consumption is reduced and energy is saved. Design/methodology/approach This paper puts forward a proposition that a bionic bearing structure is designed based on the bionics principle. First, the authors analyze the microstructure of the wings of long-eared owls and the structural mapping model is established. Second, the theoretical formula is derived through the model, and the structural parameters are optimized by sequence quadratic program (SQP). Lastly, the experimental model is made by 3D printing technology, and the experimental data are analyzed to verify the feasibility of the theory. Findings By comparing the experimental data, it can be seen that the air pressure of the original air bearing is reduced by 27 per cent, and the validity of the theory and design method is verified. Originality/value In this paper, a design method of air bearing based on bionic principle is presented, which can save the air pressure required for working of air bearing, and the structure of air bearing is expected to be applied in engineering.