Pads: Area and Flow Shape Factors (A¯ and B¯)

Shape factors are provided for effective pad area and pad flow for a range of hydrostatic and aerostatic pad shapes. Shapes include circular pads with central admission and annular admission, square and rectangular pads, multi-recess pads, spherical pads, and conical pads. The factors are presented for various land-width ratios. Approximate expressions for thin-land pads are also given for convenience and for approximate checks. Worked examples are included for each pad shape. An important concept of virtual recesses is introduced for aerostatic pads as a means of improving system response and dynamic stability.