Test Equipment for Curved Aerostatic Bearing

Reducing friction between two moving bodies helps in reducing the energy loss of the whole system. Aerostatic bearings are known for producing low friction between their surface and the counter surface. However, the behaviour and performance of curved aerostatic bearings are difficult to predict. In this research, a test set-up was designed to study the behavior of curved aerostatic bearings under 25 kN of static load. The test set-up consists of a curved aerostatic bearing, a mounting frame, and a loading device to apply the load onto the aerostatic bearing. Simulations of all these parts were carried out with Creo Simulate. Displacement analysis showed frame and bearing deflection of 0.13 mm and 0.07 mm respectively, confirming that the set-up can be used to study the behavior of a curved air bearing under 25 kN load.