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The purpose of this study is to reveal the influence law of pressure-equalizing grooves on aerostatic bearings and improve the static performance of bearings by optimizing the distribution form of grooves.

In view of two kinds of common restrictor distribution forms on the thrust surface, the linear and the rectangular, six kinds of pressure-equalizing groove schemes were proposed – the line-shape, the extended-shape, the S-shape, the oblong-shape, the X-shape and the reticular-shape. Based on the analysis of lubrication theory of the orifice-type aerostatic bearing, the numerical simulations of different bearings were carried out. The pressure distributions and static characteristic curves of different bearings were obtained.

The study reveals that the adoption of the pressure-equalizing grooves can substantially improve the load capacity and static stiffness of the bearing and make the bearing maintain a uniform stress, which enhances operating accuracy and life of the bearing. The superior function of the reticular-shape groove is highlighted.

The research results can effectively guide the optimization design of aerostatic bearings and provide a crucial technical reference for application of ultra-precision aerostatic supporting system.

The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanical properties of aerostatic guideway taking the structural deformation into account, and further improve the calculation method of guideway.

A theoretical model of fluid-structure interaction for the numerical simulation was established and mechanical properties of the aerostatic guideway with porous restrictors were solved based on computational fluid dynamics. The deformation law of the guideway with different materials and gas-film thicknesses was revealed, and its static and dynamic characteristic curves were obtained.

The results indicate that ceramics as the material of guideways exhibit good applicability due to the small deformation, the quick dynamic response and the relatively light weight. The rational initial gas-film of guideway is recommended.

The present work can provide ideas for the design and optimization of aerostatic guideways.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2019-0288