Experimental Evaluation of Foil Bearing Performance: Steady-State and Dynamic Results

An experimental facility dedicated to measuring both the steady-state and dynamic properties of foil bearings, under a variety of operating conditions, has been designed and commissioned. The bearing under test is placed at the midspan of a horizontal, simply-supported, stepped shaft which rotates at up to 60 krpm. Static and dynamic loads of up to 3500 N and 450 N (respectively) can be applied by means of a pneumatic cylinder and two electrodynamic shakers. This paper outlines the test procedures and data analysis methods pertaining to the operation of the high-speed, oil-free bearing test rig, and presents steady-state and dynamic results for a first-generation foil bearing. The test bearing, which was fabricated in-house, is 0.07 m diameter and has an aspect ratio of 1; bearing manufacturing details are provided.© 2009 ASME