Film pressure simulation device for foil air bearings

Abstract

This application discloses a film pressure simulation device for a foil air bearing. The film pressure simulation device includes: a base plate for mounting foils of the foil air bearing; a loading mechanism including an air blowing plate and a nozzle, the nozzle being connected to the air blowing plate and facing the base plate, for injecting airflow onto the foil on the base plate to apply air pressure; and a sensor module including a force sensor connected to the area of ​​the base plate for placing the foil, for detecting the pressure borne by the foil when the nozzle injects airflow toward the foil. The above-described film pressure simulation device for a foil air bearing places the foil on the base plate, injects airflow onto the foil on the base plate through the nozzle to apply air pressure, and then detects the pressure borne by the foil under the air pressure through the force sensor below the foil, thus simulating the working condition of the air pressure generated by the rotor rotation acting on the foil before the rotor reaches stability in the foil air bearing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of testing equipment, and in particular to a device for simulating the air film pressure of a foil air bearing. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information relating to this disclosure and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Foil air bearings, as a new type of hydrodynamic air bearing, not only possess the advantages of traditional gas bearings such as high speed and rotational accuracy, low power consumption, no pollution, long service life, and ability to work in harsh environments, but also have advantages such as good adaptability, low manufacturing and assembly precision requirements, good impact resistance, high stability, no need for special lubrication and cooling systems, and low maintenance costs. They have been widely used in high-speed rotating machinery such as blowers, hydrogen fuel cell compressors, electric turbochargers, aircraft environmental control systems (ACM), auxiliary power systems (APU), micro gas turbines, and small aero-turbine engines.

[0004] like Figure 1 As shown, before the rotor reaches stability, the rotor 1 will exert pressure on the foil 2 of the foil air bearing in different directions and magnitudes, and will cause different degrees of compression deformation to the corrugated foil and top foil of the foil air bearing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, it is necessary to provide a film pressure simulation device for foil air bearings to simulate the working conditions of foil under the air pressure generated by rotor rotation.

[0006] This disclosure provides a device for simulating the air film pressure of a foil air bearing, comprising:

[0007] Base plate, for mounting foil air bearings;

[0008] The loading mechanism includes an air-blowing disc and a nozzle, the nozzle being connected to the air-blowing disc and facing the base plate, for spraying airflow onto the foil on the base plate to apply air pressure;

[0009] The sensor module includes a force sensor connected to the area of ​​the base plate for placing the foil, for detecting the pressure borne by the foil when the nozzle sprays airflow toward the foil.

[0010] Preferably, the loading mechanism includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in a dot matrix on the air blowing plate.

[0011] Preferably, the loading mechanism further includes a first displacement platform, the air-blowing disc is connected to the first displacement platform, and the first displacement platform is used to adjust the distance between the nozzle and the foil by moving the air-blowing disc in the vertical direction.

[0012] Preferably, the sensor module further includes a deformation sensor for detecting the deformation of the foil caused by the nozzle spraying airflow onto the foil.

[0013] Preferably, the deformation sensor includes a micrometer grating, which faces the area of ​​the base plate for placing the foil to detect the deformation of the foil.

[0014] Preferably, the sensor module further includes a fixing plate, and the grating micrometer is connected to the fixing plate and faces the base plate.

[0015] Preferably, the sensor module further includes a second displacement platform, and the fixing plate is connected to the second displacement platform. The second displacement platform is used to adjust the distance between the grating micrometer and the foil by moving the fixing plate in the vertical direction.

[0016] Preferably, the foil includes a corrugated foil and a top foil, the corrugated foil being placed on the base plate and the top foil being located on the corrugated foil.

[0017] Preferably, the grating micrometer is positioned above the top foil to detect the deformation of the top foil and the wave foil.

[0018] Preferably, the first displacement platform and the second displacement platform include a fixed frame, a movable plate, an adjusting rod, and a locking assembly;

[0019] The movable plate is movably connected to the fixed frame in a vertical direction, and the adjusting rod is connected to the movable plate and abuts against the fixed frame, for adjusting the position of the movable plate by abutting against the fixed frame when it extends or retracts;

[0020] The locking assembly includes a connecting piece and a locking member. The connecting piece is connected to the fixing frame and has an elongated hole extending in a vertical direction. The locking member passes through the elongated hole and is connected to the moving plate to lock the moving plate.

[0021] Compared to existing technologies, the aforementioned foil air bearing air film pressure simulation device places the foil on a base plate, sprays airflow onto the foil on the base plate through a nozzle to apply air pressure, and then uses a force sensor below the foil to detect the pressure borne by the foil under the air pressure, thereby simulating the working condition of the air pressure generated by the rotor rotation acting on the foil before the rotor reaches stability in the foil air bearing. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the implementation methods will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure that the foil experiences under film pressure.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foil air bearing air film pressure simulation device.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the base plate and foil.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the loading mechanism.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first displacement platform.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the grating micrometer and the second displacement platform.

[0029] Explanation of main component symbols

[0030] base plate 10 Sensor module 20 Second displacement platform 21 Fixed plate 22 Loading mechanism 30 First displacement platform 31 Fixture 311 mobile board 312 Adjusting rod 313 screw 3131 Nut 3132 Connecting piece 314 elongated hole 3141 Locking parts 315 air plate 32 nozzle 33 corrugated foil 40 Top foil 41

[0031] The following detailed embodiments will further illustrate this disclosure in conjunction with the above-described drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this disclosure, the disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure; the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure.

[0034] In various embodiments, for ease of description and not limitation of this disclosure, the term "connection" used in the patent application specification and claims is not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "below," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship also changes accordingly.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a device simulating the film pressure of a foil air bearing. (For example...) Figure 2 As shown, the film pressure simulation device for foil air bearings is used to simulate the effect of air pressure generated by the rotor rotation on the foil of the foil air bearing before the rotor stabilizes. The film pressure simulation device includes a base plate 10, a loading mechanism 30, and a sensor module 20. The base plate 10 supports the foil to be tested, the loading mechanism 30 applies a film of air with a preset flow rate and pressure to the foil, and the sensor module 20 detects various parameters of the foil under the action of the film of airflow, thereby evaluating the foil under film pressure conditions.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base plate 10 and the foil. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As shown, the base plate 10 is generally flat and is used to mount the foil of the foil air bearing. The base plate 10 is generally flat. In this embodiment, the base plate 10 is arranged in a horizontal direction. The foil includes a corrugated foil 40 and a top foil 41. The corrugated foil 40 is placed on the base plate 10, and the top foil 41 is located on the corrugated foil 40.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the loading mechanism 30. (See attached diagram.) Figure 4 As shown, the loading mechanism 30 includes a first displacement platform 31, an air-blowing disc 32, and a nozzle 33. The first displacement platform 31 is used to mount the air-blowing disc 32 and the nozzle 33, and can be precisely moved in the vertical direction to adjust the position of the air-blowing disc 32 and the nozzle 33. The air-blowing disc 32 is used to fix and mount the nozzle 33, and the nozzle 33 is used to spray airflow to simulate the air film generated by the rotation of the rotor.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first displacement platform 31. (See attached diagram.) Figure 5As shown, the air-blowing disc 32 is connected to the first displacement platform 31, which is used to adjust the distance between the nozzle 33 and the foil by moving the air-blowing disc 32 in the vertical direction. The first displacement platform 31 includes a fixed frame 311, a movable plate 312, an adjusting rod 313, and a locking assembly. In this embodiment, the fixed frame 311 can be mounted on the base plate 10, and the movable plate 312 is movably connected to the fixed frame 311 in the vertical direction. For example, a slider and slide rail structure is provided between the movable plate 312 and the fixed frame 311, and the movable plate 312 and the fixed frame 311 are connected by the slider-slide rail structure, so that the movable plate 312 can move relative to the fixed frame 311 in the vertical direction. The adjusting rod 313 is connected to the movable plate 312 and abuts against the fixed frame 311, and is used to adjust the position of the movable plate 312 by abutting against the fixed frame 311 when it extends or retracts. As an example, the adjusting rod 313 includes a screw 3131 and a nut 3132. The nut 3132 is connected to the moving block, and the screw 3131 is threadedly connected to the nut 3132 and passes through the nut 3132 to abut against the fixed frame 311. In use, rotating the screw 3131 causes it to rotate relative to the nut 3132. Since the bottom of the screw 3131 abuts against the fixed frame 311, it can drive the moving plate 312 to move, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the position of the moving plate 312. The locking assembly includes a connecting piece 314 and a locking member 315. The connecting piece 314 is connected to the fixed frame 311 and has an elongated hole 3141 extending in a vertical direction. The locking member 315 can be a screw that passes through the elongated hole 3141 and is connected to the moving plate 312 to lock the moving plate 312.

[0039] The air-blowing disc 32 is provided with a nozzle 33 for mounting and extends horizontally. The air-blowing disc 32 is connected to a first displacement platform 31 to adjust its vertical position via the first displacement platform 31. Specifically, the air-blowing disc 32 is connected to a movable plate 312 of the first displacement platform 31, so that its position can be adjusted by rotating an adjusting rod 313. The nozzle 33 extends vertically, is connected to the air-blowing disc 32 and faces the base plate 10, and is used to spray airflow onto the foil on the base plate 10 to apply air pressure. In this embodiment, there are multiple nozzles 33 arranged in a dot matrix on the air-blowing disc 32, and each nozzle 33 is independently connected to an air pipe, which is connected to a control system. In this way, the flow rate and pressure through the air pipe can be independently controlled to simulate the different pressures exerted by the air pressure on the corrugated foil 40 and the top foil 41 before the actual rotor rotates in the foil air bearing and reaches stability.

[0040] The sensor module 20 includes a force sensor and a deformation sensor. The force sensor is connected to the area of ​​the base plate 10 used for placing the foil and is used to detect the pressure borne by the foil when the nozzle 33 sprays airflow toward the foil. When the foil bears the airflow sprayed by the nozzle 33, the loading force borne by the foil can be detected by the force sensor located on the base plate 10 and below the foil. The deformation sensor is used to detect the deformation of the foil caused by the airflow sprayed toward it by the nozzle 33. In some embodiments, the deformation sensor includes a micrometer grating directed toward the area of ​​the base plate 10 used for placing the foil to detect the deformation of the foil.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the grating micrometer and the second displacement platform 21. (See diagram below.) Figure 6 As shown, the sensor module 20 further includes a fixing plate 22, to which the grating micrometer is connected and faces the base plate 10. The fixing plate 22 is connected to the moving plate 312 of the second displacement platform 21. The second displacement platform 21 is used to adjust the distance between the grating micrometer and the foil by moving the fixing plate 22 in the vertical direction. In use, the height of the second displacement platform 21 is adjusted, and the grating micrometer is moved by the fixing plate 22 until the grating micrometer is located above the top foil 41 to detect the deformation of the top foil 41 and the wave foil 40. Preferably, the structure of the second displacement platform 21 is the same as that of the first displacement platform 31, and will not be described again here.

[0042] During operation, the corrugated foil 40 and the top foil 41 are fixed on the base plate 10 with a force sensor, and the air blowing plate 32 is fixed on the first displacement platform 31. The distance between the nozzle 33 of the air blowing plate 32 and the top foil 41 is precisely controlled by the first displacement platform 31.

[0043] Each nozzle 33 of the air-blowing disc 32 is connected to an independent air pipe. Each air pipe is controlled independently by the control system to control the flow rate and pressure through the air pipe. By spraying airflow onto the foil, the actual rotor rotating in the foil air bearing is simulated to achieve the different pressures generated by the stable air pressure on the wave foil 40 and the top foil 41.

[0044] During the airflow jet process, the pressure on the foil is collected by a force sensor, and the deformation of the top foil 41 is collected by a grating micrometer.

[0045] Finally, the collected data is transmitted to a computer, and the collected data is analyzed by fitting it with the data after different air pressures ejected from nozzle 33.

[0046] The aforementioned foil air bearing film pressure simulation device places the foil on a base plate 10 and applies air pressure by injecting airflow into the foil on the base plate 10 through nozzles 33. Then, a force sensor below the foil detects the pressure borne by the foil under the air pressure, simulating the working condition of the air pressure generated by the rotor rotation acting on the foil before the rotor reaches stability in the foil air bearing. This foil air bearing film pressure simulation device has a simple structure, is easy to set up and debug, and allows for easy replacement of the corrugated foil 40 and top foil 41 to be tested. It can also simulate the influence of air pressure on the corrugated foil 40 and top foil 41 before the rotor reaches stability in the foil air bearing under different working conditions.

[0047] In the several specific embodiments provided in this disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced within this disclosure. Furthermore, it is clear that the word "comprising" does not exclude other units or steps, and the singular does not exclude the plural. Terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to denote names and do not indicate any particular order.

[0048] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of this disclosure should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for simulating the air film pressure of a foil air bearing, characterized in that, include: A base plate for mounting foils in a foil-bearing air bearing. The base plate has a flat plate structure and is arranged horizontally. The foils include corrugated foils and top foils. The corrugated foils are placed on the base plate, and the top foils are located on the corrugated foils. The loading mechanism includes an air-blowing disc and multiple nozzles. The air-blowing disc extends horizontally, and the nozzles extend vertically, arranged in a dot matrix on the air-blowing disc and facing the base plate. They are used to spray airflow onto the foil on the base plate to apply air pressure. Each nozzle is connected to an independent air pipe, and each air pipe is controlled independently by a control system to control the flow rate and pressure through the air pipe. By spraying airflow onto the foil, the mechanism simulates the actual rotor rotating in the foil air bearing to achieve the different pressures generated by the stabilizing air pressure on the wave foil and the top foil. The sensor module includes a force sensor connected to the area of ​​the base plate for placing the foil. The force sensor is located below the foil and is used to detect the pressure borne by the foil when the nozzle sprays airflow toward the foil. The loading mechanism further includes a first displacement platform, and the air blowing plate is connected to the first displacement platform. The first displacement platform is used to adjust the distance between the nozzle and the foil by moving the air blowing plate in the vertical direction.

2. The air film pressure simulation device for foil air bearings as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor module also includes a deformation sensor for detecting the deformation of the foil caused by the nozzle spraying airflow onto the foil.

3. The air film pressure simulation device for foil air bearings as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The deformation sensor includes a grating micrometer, which is oriented toward the area of ​​the base plate for placing the foil to detect the deformation of the foil.

4. The air film pressure simulation device for foil air bearings as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sensor module also includes a fixing plate, and the grating micrometer is connected to the fixing plate and faces the base plate.

5. The air film pressure simulation device for foil air bearings as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The sensor module further includes a second displacement platform, and the fixed plate is connected to the second displacement platform. The second displacement platform is used to adjust the distance between the grating micrometer and the foil by moving the fixed plate in the vertical direction.

6. The air film pressure simulation device for foil air bearings as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The grating micrometer is positioned above the top foil to detect the deformation of the top foil and the wave foil.

7. The air film pressure simulation device for foil air bearings as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first and second displacement platforms each include a fixed frame, a movable plate, an adjusting rod, and a locking assembly. The movable plate is movably connected to the fixed frame in a vertical direction, and the adjusting rod is connected to the movable plate and abuts against the fixed frame, for adjusting the position of the movable plate by abutting against the fixed frame when it extends or retracts; The locking assembly includes a connecting piece and a locking member. The connecting piece is connected to the fixing frame and has an elongated hole extending in a vertical direction. The locking member passes through the elongated hole and is connected to the moving plate to lock the moving plate.

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