Heshmat, H., Gray, S. and Bhutan, B. “Technology Progress on Compliant Foil Air Bearing Systems for Commercial Applications,” Eighth International Gas Bearing Symposium, Leicester Polytechnic, BHRA Fluid Engineering, Cranfield, Bedford, England, Paper 6 (1981), pp. 69-97.
The increasing interest in compliant foil journal and thrust air bearings, and their successful significant activity being directed at advancing the technology and understanding of the bearings. This activity has resulted in improvements in the dynamic performance of the bearings, rotor systems and materials, and some of the influences of fabrication accuracy on performance have been determined.
Design guides are given for use when contemplating the suitability of foil bearings and some meaningful applications are illustrated.