Some of the mechanical properties of bearings include compressive strength, fatigue strength, low coefficient of friction (COF), low coefficient of thermal expansion, high thermal conductivity. Bearings have good wettability, sufficient hardness, sufficient elasticity, availability, and cost.
Bearings is an element that is circular in shape and can roll. Can be defined as an element that rolls when subjected to small oscillating movements or vibrations. Bearings have many functions for industrial activities. Such as in robotics, avionics, wind energy, construction machinery, equipment used in space exploration, and others.
Bearings are designed as rolling elements in various configurations. They are commonly used in industrial machinery, engines, and automobile industry, hydraulic turbines, electric generators, steam and gas turbines, compressors, etc.
Aerodynamic or gas lubricated bearings have several functions in movement or rotation activities in a machine. In a compressor, the bearing functions as a support for the rotation axis.
With these bearings, the speed at which compressor can operate when there is little friction in the gap of the gas-lubricated film. So it does not produce contaminants in the lubricant. In general, foil bearings, segmented spring bearings, or spiral groove bearings can be used spiral groove bearings produce high load capacity.
The development of increasingly advanced technology will affect the mechanical design and machining capacity. For example, twin screw refrigeration compressors are now increasingly utilized in various fields. Such as metallurgy, electricity, electromechanical, petrochemical industry, and food processing due to its high reliability and efficiency.
The use of appropriate bearing technology will be crucial for the design of oil-free centrifugal compressor types. At present, bearings using oil lubricants still dominate the use in centrifugal compressors. However, in recent years, magnetic bearings have begun to show significant potential.
Compatibility is difficult to measure, while fit and capability vary widely. This magnetic bearing technology has been commercially proven, but the control system is quite complicated. This is because it requires the installation of feedback controls.
