Performance Analysis of Double-Bumped Air Foil Bearings

This paper presents a theoretical model for the analysis of double-bumped Air Foil Bearings (AFBs). The stiffness and damping coefficients of the double bump vary depending on the external load and its friction coefficient. The double bump can be either in the single or double active region depending on vertical deflection. The equivalent stiffness and damping coefficients of the bump system are derived from the vertical and horizontal deflection of the bump, including the friction effect. The results of the performance analysis for a double bumped AFB are compared with those obtained for a single bumped AFB. This paper successfully proves that a double bumped AFB has higher load capacity, stiffness, and damping than a single bump AFB in a heavily loaded condition.