A new type of aerostatic thrust bearing controlled by high-speed pneumatic valve and a novel pressure transducer

Abstract

The current research work presents a low cost, efficient and innovative active aerostatic thrust bearing which is controlled through a combination of the Arduino board, feedback transducers and high-speed valves. The purpose is to make low cost, compact active aerostatic thrust bearing with overall small dimensions and compact size. A prototype design is done in solid works with small dimensions and components are produced with the help of the high precision machining process. There are two high-speed electro-pneumatic valves which are controlled through pulse width modulation techniques. These high-speed electro-pneumatic valves modify the supply pressure of aerostatic bearing to achieve desired air height gap. There are two novel pressure sensors which provide a feedback signal for control. The test bench to perform experiments has been explained. The performance of the proposed aerostatic bearing is checked both in open loop and closed loop configuration with respect to static and dynamic conditions.