Skip to main content OFT Home Oil-Free Technology Applications Outreach & Education Team Members

Advanced Foil Bearings

Recent design improvements have doubled load capacity, enabling application to a broader range of oil-free turbomachinery

Foil Bearing Benefits:

  • Self-acting hydrodynamic 'float on air'
  • No external pressurization
  • No DN speed limit
  • Higher power density
  • No lube/tanks/coolers/plumbing/filters
  • Lower weight
  • Operate to 1200°F
  • Higher efficiency
  • Compliant 'spring' foil support
  • Accommodate Misalignment & Distortion
  • No maintenance
  • Reduce Operating Costs

Advantages of Foil Bearings

Unlimited Shaft Speed Unlimited Shaft Speed

Unlimited Shaft Speed 20% Power Density Increase


Additional Topics

Typical Foil-Air Bearing

Foil Bearing Schematic
The rotating journal (shaft) of a foil air bearing acts as an air pump creating a thin layer of high pressure air that is captured between the journal and top foil. The bump foil acts as a spring to tailor the compliance of the bearing and minimize air leakage thus improving load capacity.

Journal bearing set from test rig

Journal bearing set

Foil Bearing Animation

Oil Free Animation
(Download VIDEO/QUICKTIME)

This animation shows the assembly of a foil air bearing in 3-dimensions and illustrates hydrodynamic lubrication between the PS304 coated journal and the superalloy top foil

Reports


Responsible NASA Official: Dr. Christopher DellaCorte
Curator: Michelle L. Beagle
Last Update: April 7, 2008
Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices