Experimental Comparison of Hydrostatic Bearing Pad Geometry Optimization Approaches Under Static Conditions

Hydrostatic bearings are widely used in various applications, but their continuous need for externally pressurized lubricant poses energy consumption challenges. This study aims to experimentally compare the performance of hydrostatic bearing pad geometry optimization approaches. Using a two-pad hydrostatic tester with online diagnostics, we evaluated optimized multi-recess pads derived from classical and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches. Our findings reveal that the CFD approach achieves a 12% increase in film thickness and a 21% increase in recess pressure compared to the classical approach under equivalent experimental conditions. However, the enhanced performance of CFD-optimized pads comes with increased sensitivity to local overload or misalignment, as evidenced in this study. While adopting the CFD-optimized geometry promises notable reductions in energy demands, ensuring precise alignment, particularly in large-scale applications, remains critical. In conclusion, our study indicates that employing the CFD optimization approach can effectively lower the service costs of hydrostatic bearings. However, achieving optimal results requires careful attention to alignment.