Gas-Bearing Turbomachinery

Abstract

The paper presents gas bearing turbomachinery developments for the past decade. With the aid of examples of eight different requirements, it answers the question: “Why Gas-Bearing Turbomachinery?” These examples cover: No Contamination, high efficiency, low temperature, high temperature, radiation damage, reliability and long life, high speed and long life, and simplification. The paper points out the parameters and design procedures that are important to gas bearing turbomachinery designers. A table which enables selection of gas bearings and one which compares rotor weights for motor and turbine drives are included. Several remaining problem areas are identified and an example of bearing distortion, resulting from friction, is given.