Performance analysis of Pareto optimal bearings subject to surface error variations

A Pareto optimization study was carried out on a flat pad aerostatic bearing design. Some of the Pareto optimal configurations were then subjected to surface profiling errors including tilt, concavity, convexity and waviness and key performance parameters such as load capacity, stiffness and flow rate determined. From these studies it was concluded that multi-orifice aerostatic flat pad bearings are highly sensitive to surface profile variations and these surface profile variations are inherent limitations of the current manufacturing techniques. A technique to account for the sensitivity to manufacturing tolerance within air bearing optimization studies is also proposed.