COMPARATIVE SIMULATION ANALYSIS OF AEROSTATIC THRUST BEARING AND ORIFICE-TYPE AEROSTATIC THRUST BEARING

Abstract

This research presents a comprehensive numerical simulation study comparing the performance of porous-type and orifice-type aerostatic thrust bearings using ANSYS Fluent. Detailed 3D CAD models were developed to reflect realistic geometries, followed by high-quality meshing and parameterized simulations under varying air film thicknesses, restrictor configurations, and supply pressures. The study evaluates key performance metrics including axial load capacity, stiffness, and mass flow rate across both bearing types. Results show that porous-type bearings offer more uniform pressure distribution and better stiffness characteristics at lower film thicknesses, making them suitable for precision applications. Orifice-type bearings, on the other hand, demonstrated faster pressure buildup but higher air consumption, indicating lower energy efficiency. A mesh independence study ensured numerical accuracy, while comparative analysis highlighted the tradeoffs between performance stability and energy usage. This simulation-based investigation provides valuable insights into optimal bearing selection and design for high-precision mechanical systems.