Gas Lubricated Foil Bearing Technology Development for Propulsion and Power Systems.

Abstract : An investigation of air-lubricated foil bearing technology for application in advanced propulsion and power systems was performed. The work conducted under the program comprised: (a) establishment and documentation of the state-of-the-art of foil bearings, (b) development of analytical tools and design guides to permit calculation of the performance of bending-dominated foil bearings, (c) investigation of potential substrate and coating materials, as well as conduct of start-stop and high speed rub tests with two air-lubricated foil bearings at 1000 deg F, (d) preparation of a layout drawing of a dynamic simulator test vehicle based upon an advanced engine (1980 or later time frame) in the 1000 to 3000 pounds thrust class, as well as a description of the test facility requirements, (e) description of the technology segments of air-lubricated foil bearings that need to be advanced to meet the requirements of the advanced engine application, and definition of the parameters for a long range test effort. (Modified author abstract)