Ceramic matrices applied to aerostatic porous journal bearings: Material characterization and bearing modeling

Abstract

This paper presents the development of an advanced ceramic material for manufacturing aerostatic porous bearing. The results show that there is homogeneous distribution of the pores in the alumina matrix by using different concentrations of the added component (sucrose). The average pore diameter remained around 0.14 mm and respective porosity around 28%, with small standard deviation. The mathematical model of the aerostatic porous bearing is presented, and numerical results indicate that the parameter related to porous medium (G) strongly affects the resultant bearing load capacity and stiffness. Considering the experimental and numerical results, the porous matrix obtained with 40% of sucrose concentration is more suitable for the aerostatic porous bearing application in study.