Gas Lubricated Foil Bearing Development for Advanced Turbomachines

Abstract : This document presents and discusses the design and development of gas lubricated foil journal and thrust bearings for the specific application in a 1000 to 3000 pound thrust propulsion engine. The design activity included the development of analytical tools for the thrust and journal bearings and their use during the bearing test phase, for the purpose of increasing bearing load capacity. A significant effort was spent toward materials and coating development for capabilities to 1200 F.