Operational range of a ferrofluid pocket bearing

Master thesis (2018)

Authors

A.S.T. Boots Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

S.G.E. Lampaert (supervisor 1)
J.W. Spronck (supervisor 2)
R.A.J. van Ostayen (supervisor 2)
J.F.L. Goosen (supervisor 2)
R. Delfos (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2018 Jelle Boots
Sensitivity analysis Mathematical modelling Precision engineering Magnetics FEM modelling Load capacity Hydrostatic planar bearing (rotational) stiffness
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Published Date

12-11-2018

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Ferrofluid bearings provide a cheap and passive alternative to contactless bearings such as magnetic bearings and fluid bearings. The absence of stick-slip and the low viscous friction make them interesting for high precision applications. Despite the theoretical models available in literature, the number of design rules for ferrofluid bearings is fairly limited, making it difficult to compare ferrofluid bearings to other bearing concepts.

This thesis presents new design rules for ferrofluid bearings based on an experimentally validated (FEM) model. The model calculates the equilibrium position of the bearing based on the air mass inside the pocket and the strength of the ferrofluid seal. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed in order to see how various errors affect the overall performance of ferrofluid pocket bearings.