Operational range of a ferrofluid pocket bearing

Journal article (2019)

Authors

Jelle Boots Student
J.W. Spronck Mechatronic Systems Design - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
R.A.J. van Ostayen Mechatronic Systems Design - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
S.G.E. Lampaert Mechatronic Systems Design - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Research Group
Mechatronic Systems Design (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2019 Jelle Boots, J.W. Spronck, R.A.J. van Ostayen, S.G.E. Lampaert
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-665X/ab2b60
Sensitivity analysis Mathematical modelling Magnetics FEM modelling Hydrostatic bearing Precision engineering
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Published Date

2019

Language

English

Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Precision and Microsystems Engineering

Research Group

Mechatronic Systems Design

Abstract

Ferrofluid pocket bearings are interesting for fast and precise positioning systems thank to the absence of stick-slip, the low viscous friction and their cost-effective nature. However, the characteristics of the bearing change due to over(de)compression since air escapes out of the enclosed pocket. This article presents an experimentally validated model that includes the air mass inside the pocket in the calculation of the equilibrium position of the ferrofluid bearing. Moreover, a simple and efficient way to obtain the operational range of the bearing is presented and a sensitivity analysis was performed. The sensitivity analysis showed that ferrofluid pocket bearings are always self-aligning and that the tilt stiffness increases when the fly height decreases or the tilt angle increases.