Master thesis and internship[BR]- Master's thesis : Experimental study on the structural performance and viscous dissipation of gas foil bearings[BR]- Integration Internship : Mitis

Abstract

This Master thesis presents empirical measurements conducted on a in-house test bench developed by Mitis, to characterize the static and dynamic load performance of three-pad Multi-Cantilever Foil Bearings (MCFBs). The prototype MCFBs are Teflon-coated and have distinct pre-loading levels. Firstly, a series of static load versus bearing displacement tests were performed to measure the static stiffness and mechanical energy dissipation capacity of the test bearings. Subsequently, drag torque tests were conducted at a rotor speed of 30 krpm with increasing net-specific loads. These tests aimed at identifying the prototype MCFB with the smallest frictional torque, as well as to determinate its lift-off and touch-down speeds.