A Nonlinear Lumped Parameter Model of an Externally Pressurized Rectangular Grooved Air Pad Bearing

Because of their low friction and wear, aerostatic pads are widely in many high precision applications, e.g., linear slides, coordinate measuring machines and medical equipment. However, especially grooved aerostatic pads can be unstable under certain operating conditions. This paper presents a lumped parameter model to study the static and the dynamic performance of a rectangular grooved aerostatic pad. The theoretical results are compared with the experimental ones.