Flow field calculation and dynamic characteristic analysis of spherical hybrid gas bearings based on passive grid

In order to research the spherical spiral groove hybrid gas bearings, the Realizable k − ε turbulence model of gas film was established based on FLUENT. The simulation calculation method of 6-degrees of freedom passive grid was used, which can simulate the lubrication characteristics of the gas film transient flow field accurately. And the gas film pressure distribution and dynamic characteristic coefficients are numerically calculated. The dynamic and static pressure coupling effects of the gas flow field were analyzed, and the axis motion trajectory was simulated. The effect of rotation speed, gas supply pressure and tangential angle on the dynamic characteristic coefficients during bearing operation was analyzed. And the stability of the gas bearing was studied. The conclusion from the analysis shows that different rotation speed and gas supply pressure will change the pressure distribution of the gas bearing during the operation. The dynamic characteristics of the gas film can be changed by reasonably optimizing the operation parameters, which can change the whirl characteristics of the gas film and improve the stability. Through calculation and analysis, the tangential angle is selected between 55° and 60°, to ensure that the gas film has a high stiffness, while it also can obtain the larger damping. The simulation results and the experimental results are compared and analyzed to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the simulation method. At the same time, the research of this paper provided a theoretical basis for optimizing the bearing structure and operating parameters, improving the dynamic characteristics of gas bearings and improving the operation stability.