Theoretical analysis on macro-mesoscopic gas flow performances in gas dynamic bearing with three pads

Abstract

The Reynolds equation based on the continuum medium assumption fails to meet the accuracy requirements of numerical simulation for mesoscale gas flow. In this research, the gas flow performances and bearing performances of gas dynamic bearing with three pads (GDBTPs) are theoretically analyzed from macroscopic to mesoscopic perspectives. A modified lattice Boltzmann equation is exploited considering the wall effect ψ(y/λ) with gas density ratio ρ/ρref, and the dimensionless gas flow velocity is analyzed for smooth, square cavity, half-sine asperity, triangular asperity, and a combination of surface morphologies. A modified Reynolds equation considering the gas compressibility and gas rarefaction effect is developed to study the static bearing performances of GDBTPs. Results show that the relative roughness Δh and asperities geometries are key factors to affect the mesoscale gas flow characteristics. The load-carrying capacity of GDBTPs increases with the growth of length-to-diameter ratio L/D, rotational speed ω, and eccentricity ratio ɛ and decreases with the increase of gas film thickness hg.