The Static Performance Analysis of Foil Journal Bearings Considering Three-Dimensional Shape of the Foil Structure

To obtain the foil bearing characteristics, the fluid film pressure must be coupled with the elastic deformation of the foil structure. However, all of the structural models thus far have simplified the foil structure without consideration of its three-dimensional shape. In this study, a finite element foil structural model is proposed that takes into consideration the three-dimensional foil shape. Using the proposed model, the deflections of interconnected bumps are compared to those of separated bumps, and the minimum film thickness determined from the proposed structural models is compared to those of previous models. In addition, the effects of the top foil and bump foil thickness on the foil bearing static performance are evaluated. The results of the study show that the three-dimensional shape of the foil structure should be considered for accurate predictions of foil bearing performances and that too thin top foil or bump foil thickness may lead to a significant decrease in the load capacity. In addition, the foil stiffness variation does not increase the load capacity much under a simple foil structure.