Air bearings based on porous ceramic composites
Air bearings made of porous materials allow an equal air distribution on the bearing surface. In comparison with conventional orifice bearings, air bearings have a higher load capacity and stiffness. Their dynamic behaviour is improved due to many micro pores, which make the bearings less sensitive to internal and external disturbances. In
this study, the characteristics of advances SiC-based fibre-reinforced composites and their utilization for the development of air bearings are discussed. The characteristics of these bearings were examined and the question for usability was addressed in principle. This paper presents the results of investigations and it demonstrated that fibrereinforced ceramic have excellent mechanical and thermal properties. This material could replace current porous bearing materials in view of several difficult static and thermal conditions.
by: E. Uhlmann, C. Neumann
Technische Universität Berlin, IWF, Pascalstr. 8-9, 10587 Berlin, Germany
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Thank you for your interest.
It exist already air bearings made of porous materials on the commercial market. There are sinter materials like metal or ceramics. To my knowledge, the applied material, fiber ceramic composite, is new for this kind of application.
But now, what are the obstacles for commercializing?
The character of the material is more in so far as a prototype material. So you understand, the material is very expensive compared with sinter materials.
The second reason, the basic forms of the material after the production are sheets and pipes. Complex forms like a spherical geometry are very difficult. So we were only able to design and test plane and journal bearings.
Neumann (author of paper)
Hi,
An excellent idea of using air as a lubricant. What are the obstacles faced for bringing this air bearings made of porous materials into commercial market?