Analysis of externally pressurized porous gas bearings: Rectangular thrust bearings

A theoretical analysis is presented to predict the steady-state characteristics of an externally pressurized porous gas rectangular thrust bearing. When the thickness of the porous pad is small compared to the other two dimensions of the pad, the pressure in the porous medium is obtained in a closed form. The modified Reynolds' equation is solved numerically using a finite difference method. The variation of the load capacity and the mass rate of flow of gas with feeding parameter for different supply pressures and pad ratios is calculated and presented in the form of design charts. The static stiffness is also calculated for different pad ratios and supply pressures. The load capacity increases continuously with the feeding parameter β, whereas the static stiffness increases with the feeding parameter, to attain a maximum value and then decreases with β as β is further increased.