Results of theoretical and experimental studies concerning the performance of an aerodynamic journal bearing of which running is assisted by squeeze film ultrasonic levitation (SFUL) are presented in this paper. The SFUL mechanism not only can separate journal from the bearing at the start and stop phases of operation but also can significantly contribute to the dynamic stability of the bearing when it runs at speed. Computer calculations...

Abstract: The presented study shows the results of the research into the squeeze film levitation phenomena. The system introduced in the investigation is composed of a vibrating surface, air squeeze film, and the surface of the body freely suspended over the film. The use of the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model used in the system allows us to determine the steady state, periodic behavior of the air film (described by Navier–Stokes,...

The validity of using the Reynolds equation for compressible squeeze film pressure was tested with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A squeeze film air bearing was instrumented with pressure sensors and non-contacting displacement probes to provide transient measurements of film thickness and pressure. The film thickness measurements also provided input parameters to the numerical prediction. However, numerical results showed...