Modularized radial gas foil bearing test bench

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of bearings, and discloses a modularized radial gas foil bearing test bench, which comprises a driving module, a loading module, a supporting module and a testing module, and is characterized in that the supporting module comprises a supporting seat and a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft is arranged on the supporting seat, a testing bearing is arranged on the rotating shaft, and the testing bearing is arranged on the driving module. The driving module is connected with the rotating shaft and used for driving the rotating shaft to rotate, the testing module comprises a torque measuring rod and a torque sensor, one end of the torque measuring rod is connected with the testing bearing shell, the other end of the torque measuring rod is connected with the torque sensor, the torque sensor is connected with the supporting seat, and the supporting seat is connected with the driving module. The loading module is used for applying an external force to the test bearing. The device has the beneficial effects that the device is simple in structure, and the problems of incomplete performance test and inaccurate experimental data of the gas foil bearing in the prior art can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bearing technology, and in particular to a modular radial gas foil bearing test bench. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of high-speed rotating machinery, gas foil bearings have become the preferred support component due to their advantages such as high speed, no lubrication required, high temperature resistance, simple structure, high reliability, and maintenance-free operation. They are widely used in equipment such as micro gas turbines, fuel cell air compressors, and aircraft air circulators. However, domestic research on gas foil bearings under high-speed and heavy-load conditions is limited, and key experimental data is lacking, restricting the modification and optimization of theoretical models. Currently, domestic gas foil bearing test benches suffer from low technical specifications and insufficient functionality, failing to simulate real-world operating conditions and making it difficult to comprehensively evaluate bearing performance. While advanced testing technologies exist internationally, the core technologies are not publicly available, and commercial equipment is expensive and lacks specificity. Therefore, there is an urgent need in China to develop efficient, accurate, and economical gas foil bearing performance testing benches.

[0003] Performance testing of gas foil bearings encompasses multiple aspects, including speed, load, and temperature. Traditional testing methods, such as spectrum analyzers and tachometers, are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern research for data accuracy and real-time performance. The development of virtual instrument technology has made it possible to upgrade testing systems. Its flexibility and powerful functions can significantly improve experimental data processing efficiency, placing higher demands on testing systems. Existing testing methods have shortcomings in simulating the actual working state of bearings and obtaining complete performance curves. For example, takeoff experiments require precise capture of the dynamic process of the bearing from rest to stable suspension; traditional methods struggle to accurately determine the takeoff moment and obtain complete takeoff characteristic curves. Loading experiments also lack effective means to simulate the dynamic response of bearings under different loads. Developing an efficient, accurate, and economical gas foil bearing performance testing platform is therefore an urgent priority to meet domestic research and application needs.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a modular radial gas foil bearing test bench to solve the problems of incomplete performance testing and inaccurate experimental data of gas foil bearings in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention discloses a modular radial gas foil bearing test bench, which can effectively solve the technical problems involved in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A modular radial gas foil bearing test bench for testing bearings includes a drive module, a loading module, a support module, and a test module. The support module includes a support base and a rotating shaft, with the rotating shaft mounted on the support base and the test bearing mounted on the rotating shaft. The drive module is connected to the rotating shaft and drives its rotation. The test module includes a torque measuring rod and a torque sensor. One end of the torque measuring rod is connected to the housing of the test bearing, and the other end is connected to the torque sensor. The torque sensor is connected to the support base. The loading module applies external force to the test bearing.

[0008] As a preferred improvement of the present invention: the drive module includes a rotary motor, which is connected to the rotating shaft.

[0009] As a preferred improvement of the present invention: the loading module includes a gravity block and a loading rope, one end of the loading rope is connected to the test bearing, and the other end is connected to the gravity block, which is suspended in the air.

[0010] As a preferred improvement of the present invention: the loading module includes a cylinder, an air source, an electro-proportional valve and a loading force sensor, the air source is connected to the cylinder through the electro-proportional valve, the output end of the cylinder is used to squeeze the test bearing, and the loading force sensor is used to detect the output force of the cylinder.

[0011] As a preferred improvement of the present invention: a rolling bearing is fixed on the support base, and the rotating shaft is mounted on the rolling bearing.

[0012] As a preferred improvement of the present invention: the other end of the torque measuring rod is connected to a weight via a rope, the weight is suspended in the air, and the torque sensor is connected to the other end of the torque measuring rod via a rope.

[0013] As a preferred improvement of the present invention: the test bearing housing is equipped with a protective sleeve, the protective sleeve is provided with a threaded hole, and the torque measuring rod is connected to the threaded hole.

[0014] As a preferred improvement of the present invention: the support base includes a support block and a support frame, there are two support blocks arranged opposite to each other, the rotating shaft is mounted on the support block, and the torque sensor is connected to the support frame.

[0015] As a preferred improvement of the present invention: the test bench further includes a heating and heat preservation module, which includes a heat preservation cavity and a hot air device. The heat preservation cavity covers the outside of the test bearing, and the hot air device is connected to the heat preservation cavity. The test module also includes a temperature sensor for measuring the operating temperature of the test bearing.

[0016] As a preferred improvement of the present invention: the heat-insulating cavity is provided with a torque measuring rod hole, a viewing window, an air outlet, a loading device hole and an air inlet.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] This invention, through the synergistic effect of its various modules, enables performance testing of radial gas foil bearings under high-speed rotation, different loads, and specific temperature conditions, providing reliable experimental data for bearing optimization design and performance evaluation. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a modular radial gas foil bearing test bench according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the heating and heat preservation module structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of the test bench of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the test module structure of the present invention.

[0025] In the diagram: 1-Test bearing, 11-Threaded hole, 2-Drive module, 3-Loading module, 31-Cylinder, 32-Loading force sensor, 4-Support module, 41-Support base, 42-Rotating shaft, 43-Rolling bearing, 5-Test module, 51-Torque measuring rod, 52-Torque sensor, 6-Heating and insulation module, 61-Insulation cavity, 62-Torque measuring rod hole, 63-Viewing window, 64-Air outlet, 65-Loading device hole, 66-Air inlet, 67-Pin hole. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0028] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0031] Please see Figures 1-5As shown, this invention provides a modular radial gas foil bearing test bench for testing bearing 1. It includes a drive module 2, a loading module 3, a support module 4, and a test module 5. The support module 4 includes a support base 41 and a rotating shaft 42. The rotating shaft 42 is mounted on the support base 41, and the test bearing 1 is mounted on the rotating shaft 42. The drive module 2 is connected to the rotating shaft 42 and drives its rotation. The test module 5 includes a torque measuring rod 51 and a torque sensor 52. One end of the torque measuring rod 51 is connected to the housing of the test bearing 1, and the other end is connected to the torque sensor 52. The torque sensor 52 is connected to the support base 41. The loading module 3 applies external force to the test bearing 1. The drive module 2 includes a rotary motor connected to the rotating shaft 42. The loading module 3 includes a gravity block and a loading rope. One end of the loading rope is connected to the test bearing 1, and the other end is connected to the gravity block, which is suspended in the air. Alternatively, the loading module 3 includes a cylinder 31, an air source, an electro-proportional valve, and a loading force sensor 32. The air source is connected to the cylinder 31 through the electro-proportional valve. The output end of the cylinder 31 is used to compress the test bearing 1, and the loading force sensor 32 is used to detect the output force of the cylinder 31. A rolling bearing 43 is fixed on the support base 41, and the rotating shaft 42 is mounted on the rolling bearing 43. The other end of the torque measuring rod 51 is connected to a weight via a rope, and the weight is suspended in the air. The torque sensor 52 is connected to the other end of the torque measuring rod 51 via a rope. A protective sleeve is installed on the outer shell of the test bearing 1, and the protective sleeve has a threaded hole 11. The torque measuring rod 51 is connected to the threaded hole 11. The support base 41 includes a support block and a support frame. There are two support blocks arranged opposite each other. The rotating shaft 42 is mounted on the support block, and the torque sensor 52 is connected to the support frame. The test bench also includes a heating and insulation module 6, which comprises an insulation cavity 61 and a hot air device. The insulation cavity 61 covers the outside of the test bearing 1, and the hot air device is connected to the insulation cavity 61. The test module 5 also includes a temperature sensor for measuring the operating temperature of the test bearing 1. The insulation cavity 61 is provided with a torque measuring rod hole 62, a viewing window 63, an air outlet 64, a loading device hole 65, and an air inlet 66. The test bench can be configured with a controller and a display to control the experiment and record and analyze the data.

[0032] This invention discloses a modular radial gas foil bearing test bench, comprising a drive module, a loading module, a support module, a testing module, and a heating and insulation module. The test bearing is a corrugated foil radial gas dynamic pressure foil bearing. The drive module is connected to the rotating shaft supported by the test bearing and is used to drive the shaft to rotate at high speed. The support module is disposed on both sides of the test bearing to support the high-speed rotating shaft and balance the radial load. The loading module is installed on the outside of the test bearing and applies a load to the bearing sleeve through a tie rod, thereby achieving the purpose of applying load to the bearing. The heating and insulation module sets up an insulation cavity around the test bearing to control the temperature of the experimental environment. The testing module is equipped with a loading force sensor, a torque sensor, and a temperature sensor, arranged around the test bearing to monitor the bearing's state parameters. Through the synergistic effect of the various modules, this invention realizes the performance testing of radial gas foil bearings under high-speed rotation, different loads, and specific temperature conditions, providing reliable experimental data for bearing optimization design and performance evaluation.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] The test bearing 1 is a corrugated radial gas foil bearing. The drive module 2 is connected to the shaft supported by the test bearing 1 via a coupling, and is used to drive the shaft to rotate at high speed. The support module 4 is set on both sides of the test bearing 1, and is used to support the high-speed rotating shaft and balance the radial load. The loading module 3 is installed on the outside of the test bearing 1, and applies load to the bearing sleeve through a tie rod to load the bearing. The heating and insulation module 6 sets up a heating and insulation cavity around the test bearing 1 to heat the bearing. The test module 5 is equipped with a force sensor, a torque sensor, and a temperature sensor. The force sensor is arranged on the side of the test bearing 1 to test the magnitude of the thrust. The torque sensor is arranged above the test bearing 1 to test the magnitude of the friction torque during the operation of the bearing. The temperature sensor is arranged on the side of the test bearing 1 to monitor the operating temperature of the test bearing. Through the coordinated operation of these modules, the performance of the radial gas foil bearing under high-speed rotation, different loads, and specific temperature conditions is tested, providing reliable experimental data for bearing optimization design and performance evaluation.

[0035] The loading module 3 includes an air source, a cylinder, and an electro-proportional valve. The air source provides compressed air to the cylinder. The electro-proportional valve is installed between the air source and the cylinder. The electro-proportional valve is controlled by the test panel to adjust the air inlet pressure of the cylinder, thereby transferring the load of the cylinder to the test bearing 1 and loading the test bearing 1.

[0036] The support module 4 includes a rolling bearing and a support base. The rolling bearing and the test bearing 1 together support the rotating shaft. The test bearing 1 is connected to the torque measuring rod through a threaded hole and is suspended on the rotating shaft. The support base is used to fix the rolling bearing and ensure its stable operation.

[0037] The heating and insulation module 6 includes an insulation cavity 61, a torque measuring rod hole 62, a viewing window 63, an air outlet 64, a loading device hole 65, and an air inlet 66. The insulation cavity 61 is set outside the test bearing 1 to accommodate the test bearing and to heat it by introducing hot air generated by an air compression heater. The insulation cavity 61 is fixed to the support base through pin holes 67 and is horizontally split for easy installation. A viewing window 63 is provided above it for observing the condition of the bearing during the experiment. The insulation cavity 61 is also provided with a torque measuring rod hole 62 and a loading device hole 65. The air outlet 64 and the air inlet 66 are used to discharge and introduce hot air, respectively.

[0038] The test module 5 is equipped with a force sensor, a torque sensor, and a temperature sensor. The force sensor, model FSH04531, has the following technical parameters: range: 445N, nonlinear sensitivity ±0.25%, safe load: 150% of RO, operating temperature: -50-93℃. It is positioned on the side of the test bearing 1 and is used to test the magnitude of the thrust. The torque sensor, model QSH02034, has the following technical parameters: range: 222N, nonlinear sensitivity ±0.1%, safe load: 1000% of RO, operating temperature: -50-93℃. It is positioned above the test bearing 1. A weight is hung on the left end of the rope, keeping the rope taut. After the test bearing 1 operates, it generates a frictional torque. The force change value measured by the torque sensor multiplied by the length of the torque measuring rod gives the magnitude of the frictional torque of the test bearing before takeoff. The temperature sensor is a type K thermocouple with a range of -40~200℃ and a temperature resistance of -200~200℃. It is arranged on the side of the test bearing 1 to monitor the operating temperature of the test bearing.

[0039] The method of using the radial gas foil bearing test bench includes the following steps:

[0040] S1: Install the rotating shaft on the support module of the test bench, ensuring that the rotating shaft is correctly aligned with the test bearing, and connect the test bearing, drive module, loading module, support module, test module and heating and insulation module.

[0041] S2: Start the motor to drive the shaft to rotate at high speed. The rotation speed can be adjusted according to the experimental requirements.

[0042] S3: The load is applied to the bearing using a loading module. By controlling the air inlet pressure of the cylinder, a slow and continuous loading process is achieved on the bearing. The loading force is precisely controlled via the test panel. The maximum load can reach 400N.

[0043] S4: Activate the heating and insulation module, introduce hot air into the insulation chamber, raise the bearing temperature to the set value, and simulate the bearing's working state under high temperature conditions. The maximum heating temperature can reach 150℃.

[0044] S5: The bearing's friction torque, load, and temperature are monitored in real time using various sensors in the test module, and the sensor signals are acquired using the NI acquisition board.

[0045] S6: Based on monitoring data, determine whether the bearing is in takeoff condition or has reached its ultimate load capacity. According to the principle of air foil bearings, before takeoff, the top foil of the bearing is in contact friction with the rotor surface, resulting in a large surface friction torque and a rapid temperature rise. After takeoff, the top foil separates from the rotor surface, and the bearing is in an air-lubricated state. At this time, the surface friction torque between the bearing and the rotor is very small, and the bearing temperature rise trend is low. In this experiment, the bearing's working state is mainly determined based on the monitored bearing friction torque and bearing temperature.

[0046] S7: After the experiment, turn off the power to each module, record and save the data, and maintain and clean the test bench.

[0047] The test bench design of this invention also considers ease of maintenance and replacement. Each module adopts a standardized interface design, supporting rapid disassembly and installation, making maintenance more efficient. Furthermore, the sensor layout of the test modules can be flexibly adjusted according to different experimental needs to adapt to different testing conditions and environments. Finally, the test bench design of this invention also considers environmental factors such as temperature and vibration control. By precisely controlling the loading method of the loading module and the heating process of the heating and insulation module, vibration during operation can be effectively reduced and the test temperature regulated, improving the stability of the entire system while ensuring the accuracy of experimental data.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. Other modifications can be easily made by those skilled in the art. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and the illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A modular radial gas foil bearing test bench for testing a bearing (1), characterized in that: The test bench comprises a driving module (2), a loading module (3), a supporting module (4) and a testing module (5), the supporting module (4) comprises a supporting seat (41) and a rotating shaft (42), the rotating shaft (42) is installed on the supporting seat (41), the testing bearing (1) is installed on the rotating shaft (42), the driving module (2) is connected with the rotating shaft (42) and is used for driving the rotating shaft (42) to rotate, the testing module (5) comprises a torque measuring rod (51) and a torque sensor (52), one end of the torque measuring rod (51) is connected with the testing bearing (1) shell, the other end of the torque measuring rod (51) is connected with the torque sensor (52), the torque sensor (52) is connected with the supporting seat (41), and the loading module (3) is used for applying external force to the testing bearing (1).

2. The modular, radial, gas foil bearing test bench of claim 1, wherein: The driving module (2) comprises a rotating motor, and the rotating motor is connected with the rotating shaft (42).

3. The modular, radial, gas foil bearing test bench of claim 1, wherein: The loading module (3) comprises a gravity block and a loading pull rope, one end of the loading pull rope is connected with the testing bearing (1), the other end of the loading pull rope is connected with the gravity block, and the gravity block is arranged in a suspended mode.

4. The modular, radial, gas foil bearing test bench of claim 1, wherein: The loading module (3) comprises a gas cylinder (31), a gas source, an electric proportional valve and a loading force sensor (32), the gas source is connected with the gas cylinder (31) through the electric proportional valve, an output end of the gas cylinder (31) is used for pressing the testing bearing (1), and the loading force sensor (32) is used for detecting the output force of the gas cylinder (31).

5. The modular, radial, gas foil bearing test bench of claim 1, wherein: The supporting seat (41) is fixed with a rolling bearing (43), and the rotating shaft (42) is installed on the rolling bearing (43).

6. The modular, radial, gas foil bearing test bench of claim 1, wherein: The other end of the torque measuring rod (51) is connected with a weight through a rope, and the weight is arranged in a suspended mode; and the torque sensor (52) is connected with the other end of the torque measuring rod (51) through a rope.

7. The modular, radial, gas foil bearing test bench of claim 1, wherein: The testing bearing (1) shell is provided with a protective sleeve, the protective sleeve is provided with a threaded hole (11), and the torque measuring rod (51) is connected with the threaded hole (11).

8. The modular, radial, gas foil bearing test bench of claim 1, wherein: The supporting seat (41) comprises supporting blocks and a supporting frame, the supporting blocks are arranged in a suspended mode, the rotating shaft (42) is installed on the supporting blocks, and the torque sensor (52) is connected with the supporting frame.

9. The modular, radial, gas foil bearing test bed of claim 1 wherein: The test bench further comprises a heating and heat preservation module (6), the heating and heat preservation module (6) comprises a heat preservation cavity (61) and a hot gas device, the heat preservation cavity (61) is arranged outside the testing bearing (1), the hot gas device is connected with the heat preservation cavity (61), and the testing module (5) further comprises a temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor is used for measuring the working temperature of the testing bearing (1).

10. The modular, radial, gas foil bearing test bed of claim 9, wherein: The heat preservation cavity (61) is provided with a torque measuring rod hole (62), a window (63), an air outlet (64), a loading device hole (65) and an air inlet (66).

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